I have a dilemma.  My husband asked me if I wanted him to buy the annual bags of compost to add to our raised beds before spring planting.  Automatically, I told him yes.  Then I said," let me think about it." For the first time in fifteen plus years, I am considering not planting a spring/summer vegetable garden, because of the drought. Last year the garden really struggled with the little water I gave it. Yields were small and late. I don't want to put in plants I can't take care of properly. If the drought continues another year and restrictions get tighter, I don't have a lot of other options on cutting back. I already stopped watering my small front lawn last year. I already have a basin in my sink to catch and save water used for rinsing.

Our situation is complicated by the fact that we now have another person living with us, so there is more water being used in cooking, laundry, showers etc. I think I will wait and see what happens in February and early March. If we get good rains, I'll put in the garden, if not I may limit myself to a tomato in a container this coming year and dream of future gardens. This will be very hard because cooking and eating from my garden brings me a great deal of joy.