Growing plants in vinegar could help them survive drought

[C C]

http://www.popsci.com/growing-plants-in-...-resistant

EXCERPT: [...] Sure enough, over 70 percent of the plants grown in soil mixed with acetic acid survived drought conditions for at least 14 days. Plants grown in other organic acids (or just water) had pretty much all been wiped out by that point in the experiment. And the promising results held for various species, including common crops such as maize, rice, and wheat—all displayed significant boosts in drought resilience with a little help from vinegar, once researchers determined the ideal concentration for each plant. [...] In comparison to transgenic processes that could be used to make plants sturdier, the vinegar trick is an inexpensive, simple, and sustainable process that can be made accessible to many. Kim says he has already received interest in this method from everyone from farmers to flower shop owners to amateur gardeners....

MORE: http://www.popsci.com/growing-plants-in-...-resistant

[Carol]

That would be super great for all the gardeners who want to leave for a week or two without their gardens dying while they are gone.

[Magical Realist]

I would grow my lettuce in a nice basalmic vinegarette and a bed of croutons.