How to Save Water in Your Garden

Water conservation makes good economic and environmental sense. Here are some ways to save water in your garden.

Step 1: Ensure good drainage Make sure the soil in the garden has good drainage.
Step 2: Plant for microclimates Position your plants to match the garden's microclimates -- the areas exposed to sun, shade, wind, heat, and cold.
TIP: Group plants that require the most water together so they can be watered at the same time.
Step 3: Limit turf Limit the areas planted in turf. Lawns use the most water in typical home landscapes.
Step 4: Water efficiently Use water efficiently by adjusting your watering to seasonal changes. Use drip or soaker hoses. Reduce evaporation by mulching and by watering at cooler times of the day.
Step 5: Water deeply Water plants infrequently but deeply. Deep watering helps plants develop greater tolerance to fluctuations in soil moisture.
Step 6: Check your irrigation system Check you irrigation system for leaks, broken heads, broken valves, and other water-wasters. Adjust sprinkler and hose placement so that water isn't running into the driveway, street, or sidewalk. By becoming a little more thoughtful about your watering, you'll save money and optimize growing conditions for your plants.
FACT: The name "cactus" originally belonged to a prickly plant found in Italy called the Spanish artichoke.