Leaky taps, long showers, and regular car washes might come to mind when you think of water-wasting activities, but gardening can also be a big offender. Yet, watering your garden wisely and incorporating other conservation strategies can help you save water while still enjoying the beauty of a thriving garden.
Your garden needs water to grow and flourish, but there are ways to water your garden without wasting excess water. Gardening is more rewarding when you do it in an environmentally friendly manner and when it doesn't strain your water resources or increase your water bill.
One way to prevent water wastage is to ensure you need to water your plants. Stick your finger in the soil to feel how moist it is. If the topsoil feels dry, then it probably needs watering. You can also check for adequate moisture by using a hand trowel or digging a hole 3-4 inches deep into the soil and feeling if there's still moisture on top at that depth. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If not, wait longer. Watering your plants too frequently can cause them to suffer from root rot or other types of fungus or disease, so don't overwater. It's bad for the environment, your water bill, and your plants.
Save rainwater. Collecting and storing rainwater from gutters will give you free water to use during dry spells or heat waves, and when water restrictions are in place, limiting garden hose usage. Rainfall is free and naturally occurring, so why not collect it? Rain barrels catch runoff from your roof or gutter system and provide an easy way to save water for future use. You can purchase these at most home improvement stores or online.
The best part about rain barrels is that they're inexpensive and easy to install. Place the barrel under your downspouts or gutters, so that all the runoff goes into it instead of out onto your lawn. Then, collect this water and use it on plants or in your garden.
When collecting rainwater from your roof, place plastic liners underneath the barrels or buckets (to keep the ground dry). Consider adding some type of mulch around them as well, so that rainfall will be absorbed rather than running off into other parts of your garden where it might cause more harm than good.
Drip irrigation systems are more efficient than sprinklers. Water delivered slowly and directly to the soil's surface is less likely to evaporate or run off, so you don't need to apply as much water. Soaker hoses deliver water directly to the root zone; this helps plants grow deeper roots that can reach moisture in the lower areas of your garden bed. The slow, controlled delivery of water also helps prevent diseases like root rot, which causes wilt and death in plants.
Avoid watering in direct sunlight. Watering early in the morning or later in the evening reduces evaporation because it's cooler during those times of the day. Watering during hot times of day causes water to evaporate quickly, which wastes water and money. Water smarter by choosing when you water your garden. Don't water outside with a hose when the sun is beating down on you and your garden.
Native plants are adapted to your region's soil, temperature, and sun exposure. They require less water than non-native plants and will help beautify your garden or landscape. Native plants also need less fertiliser, which means fewer nutrients leaching into streams and rivers. If you want to grow non-natives, choose those that are adapted to your area.
Planting drought-tolerant plants is another option. Drought-tolerant plants need less water than other types of plants because they have adapted to survive under harsher conditions. These include deep roots that reach down into the soil for moisture, or leaves that close their pores when it gets too dry, so they don't lose water through evaporation. Drought-tolerant plants often grow best in hot climates but can be valuable for gardeners in any climate who want to save money on water bills and preserve the earth.
Mulch is any material applied over the soil in a layer at least 3 inches deep. It can be living or nonliving, organic or synthetic. The purpose of mulch is two-fold: it improves the appearance of your garden and helps retain moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation from plants' leaves. You can mulch with bark, grass clippings, or other materials that don't need watering themselves. Mulch also prevents soil erosion and helps prevent pests, diseases, and weeds from taking over your garden space. So, add a layer of mulch to keep your plants healthy and preserve water in the soil.
Water is a precious resource, and it's important to conserve it. The water you use in your garden can be recycled, conserved, and reused. You don't have to wait until the last minute to start conserving water. By preparing your garden properly and following some simple guidelines, you can make a big difference in the amount of water you use in your gardening and save money, too.
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