Some water-conservation techniques for your garden:
WATER RIGHT: Water early in the day to reduce evaporation loss. Water less frequently, and for longer lengths of time, to encourage deep root growth. Be sure your irrigation system is in proper working order. Check hoses for leaks before watering plants, and position sprinklers so they water only plants – not the sidewalk, street or house.
ADD ORGANIC MATTER to clay and sandy soils to increase the penetrability of clay soils and the water holding capacity of sandy soils.
MULCH ALL EXPOSED SOIL SURFACES to cut down on water loss due to evaporation. Apply a two-inch layer of mulch or compost to shrubs, trees, annuals, vegetable gardens, and container-grown plants.
COMPOST using food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic waste. Compost is a rich soil amendment that can help increase water retention, decrease erosion, and replace fertilizers.
INSTALL A DRIP OR OTHER IRRIGATION SYSTEM, an irrigation system can save up to 60 percent of all water used in garden care. Place an inexpensive drip hose in the gardens to save water and save you work.
KILL THE COMPETITION. Eliminate weeds that compete with your plants for water and nutrients
SAVE THE RAIN, buy or make a rain barrel to collect rain water, use it to water plants.
Tags: The Big Drip
