Keeping a healthy garden… in a not very dry season

With only a few days into the new year, The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) officially declared the start of the 2026 Dry Season.

On January 8, 2026, the Dry Season was welcomed, which means that for the next few months, until around May, we can expect reduced rainfall and increased warmth.

In Trinidad, the Dry Season usually brings lower rainfall frequency and amounts, warmer daytime temperatures and cooler nights, possible long dry spells with little to no rain and increased evaporation from soils and plant leaves.

According to the TTMS, our Dry Season will be wetter than usual in the early season between January to March. Rainfall is forecasted to be near normal to above normal, especially in January and February, due to lingering moisture, elevated sea surface temperatures and a weak La Niña influence (La Niña is a climate pattern where cooler-than-normal ocean temperatures in the Pacific change global weather, often bringing wetter conditions to the Caribbean).

This means fewer and shorter dry spells than usual early in the season.

About 97 dry days are forecasted, which is below the long-term average of 108 dry days for a Dry Season. There is a moderate likelihood of several seven- and ten-day dry spells.

There should be near normal rainfall late season around March to May. Rainfall is expected to trend toward near normal amounts later in the Dry Season which means that the season overall may feel not very dry compared to previous Dry Seasons.

So how do we care for our gardens during this period? The beginning signals to gardeners that it’s time for adaptation and preparation. These conditions can make it harder to maintain moisture in your garden and keep plants healthy without proactive management.

To keep a healthy garden during the next few months, you must first prioritise water conservation and strategic watering. Water your plants early in the morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.

Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to roots with minimal waste. It’s very important to collect rainwater in barrels or tanks when there are showers.

Mulch is your best friend this season. A thick layer of mulch (such as wood chips, leaf litter or compost) will aid in soil moisture retention and help suppress weeds, which compete with your plants for water. Mulch can be purchased at your agri-shop, and it is inexpensive. Spread mulch 2 to 4 inches deep around plants and beds, keeping it slightly away from stems to prevent rot. This simple step can dramatically improve soil water retention during dry spells.

To keep your lawn healthy during the season, focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to encourage strong root growth while reducing evaporation.

Raise your mower blade so grass is cut slightly taller. This helps shade the soil and retain moisture. Leave grass clippings on the lawn as natural mulch, and avoid heavy fertilising, which can stress grass in dry conditions.

Aerating compacted soil and applying a thin layer of compost can also improve water absorption. With proper care and smart watering, your lawn can stay green and resilient even through extended dry spells.

For commercial farmers, now is the time to start choosing crops which naturally handle dry conditions better. Consider planting lots of hot peppers, ochro, rosemary, thyme and basil. You can also consider cassava and sweet potatoes which are always a cash crop.

Try to keep your soils healthy, as healthy soil holds water more effectively. Enrich garden beds with organic compost and work it into the topsoil. Organic matter increases soil structure and boosts moisture retention, reducing the frequency of watering needed to sustain crops.

As Trinidad moves through the 2026 Dry Season, preparation remains the key to a healthy, productive garden. While occasional rainfall may still occur, the overall conditions of higher temperatures and longer dry spells mean gardeners must be intentional with water use, soil care and plant selection.

By mulching, improving soil health, choosing drought-tolerant crops, and watering wisely, you not only protect your plants but also conserve a precious resource.

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