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.
Instructions
- 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.
You Will Need
- Good drainage
- Match to microclimates
- Limited turf
- Efficient watering
- Deep watering
- Intact irrigation system