Water Conservation in the Yard

It is that time of year again. The water companies are sending
us notices to reduce watering in our gardens.

What are you doing to help conserve this precious commodity?

Often we don't appreciate something until it's gone! That can
really be true with water. Taken for granted when it is
plentiful, its importance is truly appreciated in the garden
once it becomes scarce. If you find yourself in a drought, there
are some things you can do to help conserve water and make the
best use of what you have available.

If you have not already mulched your plants, do it! Mulch will
help limit the amount of water that evaporates from the soil.
While organic mulches such as grass clippings or wood chips are
preferable since they add organic matter to the soil, plastic
mulches are useful in limiting evaporation from the soil. They
can be laid between rows in the vegetable garden and will help
limit moisture loss; however, they also will limit infiltration. 

Place your water where it will do the most good. Sprinklers are
very inefficient for getting water to the roots of your plants.
Much of the water lands on the leaves and evaporates before
reaching the ground. A slow gentle watering at the base of the
plants, allowing the water to soak into the soil, will be most
efficient. 

Water those plants needing it most. Newly planted trees, shrubs,
and flowers with limited roots systems will most likely suffer
first from drought conditions. Give these plants priority if
water is scarce. Well-established plants, especially those
native to the area, are likely to withstand drought conditions
with limited damage. 

Water in the early morning before the heat of the day. This
limits evaporation and supplies plants with needed moisture to
make it through the hot, sunny day.

Consider using drip or trickle rrigation systems. Many
inexpensive, easy to install systems are available that provide
small amounts of water to the base of individual plants. These
systems place the water where it is needed most, rather than
applying it across the whole garden. Check with your local
garden center. 

Collect water from downspouts when it rains. Roofs intercept
significant amounts of rain. Collecting this runoff into a
barrel can help limit the use of city or well water during dry
spells.

Are you looking to imporve your backyard landscaping? Look no
further we have plenty of suggestions on our website.

# # #