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Nine Time Tested Ways to Save Water, in your Garden
Are you looking to save water in the garden or lawn?
Many of us live in parts of the country where there are restrictions that limit the amount of water we can use.
Whether you are looking to save water for financial reasons, are restricted by water usage limits, or just plain old drought, conserving water doesn’t have to be difficult.
There are many time tested, and proven ways to save water in your garden and lawn, and they may be much simpler than you imagined.
If you are experiencing water shortages do not to fret.
Your garden is supposed to bring you joy and peace of mind, and using these 9 water saving tips can help relieve the stress of drought.
1. Select Drought Resistant Plants
Perhaps the best way to conserve water is to select plants that use less water, and are accustomed to the environment where they will be grown.
Some great drought resistant plants include:
- Yucca
- Aloe
- Russian Sage
- Sedums
- Verbena
- Oleander
- and of course Cacti
There are many more drought resistant plants than I can list here, check out this list for more.
If you are in an area that is prone to drought, or where water conservation is necessary, planning ahead can save you from many headaches.
2. Chose Smaller Plants
Though large trees can keep the yard and garden cooler and aid in water retention, larger plants may not help you in your garden.
Smaller plants as you may suspect use less water. Therefore choosing smaller plants will cut down on the water used in your garden.
If you already have an established garden the next step is for you!
3. Use Mulch
Using mulch is a must for conserving water in your garden beds.
A thick layer of mulch will prevent evaporation, keep the ground cool, and retain moisture much more than the bare ground would.
There are many forms of mulch to chose from. Stone, wood chips, and even fallen leaves make great mulches.
Want to learn more about mulching? Check out our article on mulch here
4. Create a Watering Schedule-
Whether it is in your lawn or garden, keeping to a schedule is a great way to conserve water in your lawn and garden.
The optimal time to water is early morning. Early morning watering will prevent evaporation and water loss do to heat.
Alternatively, you can water in the late afternoon, but this watering practice should be used with caution, as it may promote mold growth in certain climates and on certain plants.
If you are not an early riser you can install an irrigation system and a water timer. Water timers are a great way to use just the right amount of water on your plants. An irrigation system does not have to be complex, a simple garden house and sprinkler can work in most lawns and gardens.
Perhaps the most efficient irrigation system used in areas where it is a must to save water in your garden, is a drip irrigation system.
5. Collect Rainwater
If it’s not a crime in your town to do so, collected rainwater can be an excellent source of free water.
Besides being a great source of water for the garden, harvested rainwater can also serve as a source of water in cases of emergency.
GreenPal has a much more in-depth article on Harvesting Rainwater
6. Choose the Right Planter
If you are potting plants be sure to chose the right planter.
Chose a planter that gives the plant room to grow, but is not too big. The bigger the planter the more water it will need.
Also avoid metal pots, as they can heat up more quickly and this can speed evaporation.
7. Check the Forecast
If you still trust your weather channel, check the forecast before watering. If it’s going to rain later in the day, you can save your water for another day.
8. Always Remove Weeds
Not only are they an eyesore, weeds are taking water from the plants you actually want growing in your garden or your lawn.
If pulling weeds isn’t your thing check out these eco-freindly ways to kill weeds
9. Use Stones
Stones are excellent at saving water in your garden. They also remain cooler longer than the environment around them and can at least for some time cool your gardens.
There are several ways to use stones to retain water.
- You can build a stone path, or ditch along the garden bed. This will catch runoff when it rains, or when you water and store it underground. Allowing it to seep back into your garden beds and lawn, instead of being lost to evaporation.
- Boulders and stone statues not only look great, they are good at holding and retaining moisture.
- Finally rocks can make a great mulch, and it will last for many years.
A garden is meant to bring you joy, not to be a hassle.
Use these excellent water saving tips to save you water, money, and prevent many headaches that can be endured from losing plants to drought.
Water conservation is a community effort. If you live in a drought prone neighborhood, share this article with your neighbors so they too can learn how to save water in their gardens.
Special thanks to Enchanted Landscapes for the graphics.
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