In times of water shortages, you need to reduce water consumption in your garden. Everyone needs to do their part in conserving this valuable resource.
Many states in the United States are experiencing severe drought conditions, including California, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Kansas and Oklahoma. Even if you’re not in a drought-stricken area, it’s still important to conserve water whenever possible. In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to reduce water consumption in your garden – from xeriscaping to using targeted irrigation. Let’s get started!
Xeriscaping
A xeriscape is a type of garden that uses native plants adapted to the local climate. These plants require less water and maintenance than non-native plants. High Country Gardens is a terrific online source for waterwise plants and preplanned waterwise gardens.
Xeriscaping can also include using rocks, gravel, and other materials that require little or no watering. If you’re not ready to xeriscape your entire garden, you can still reduce water consumption by making some changes to your irrigation system.
Reduce Water Consumption in Your Garden with Drip Irrigation
Think of drip irrigation as a type of targeted irrigation that delivers water directly to the roots of plants. After all, the root zone of a plant is where water is needed most. Drip irrigation helps reduce evaporation and runoff. It also ensures that your plants are getting the moisture they need without wasting water.
Watering only specific plants is another form of targeted irrigation to reduce water consumption in your garden. Targeted irrigation means watering only the plants that need it, and not wasting water on areas that don’t. It can be done with soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems. You can also use a hose to water just the plants that are looking dry.
Trees and Shrubs: The Top Priority for Watering
If you must significantly reduce your water usage, begin by cutting back in other areas before you stop watering trees and shrubs. Mature trees help reduce air pollution and control stormwater runoff. The shade produced by trees also reduces the need for air conditioning during hot weather. Mature trees can even increase a property’s value by thousands of dollars.
If you lose a mature tree, it can take years for a replacement tree to reach a mature size. If necessary, allow lawns and ground cover to turn brown during droughts. They can be re-grown much more quickly and inexpensively than a tree or shrub.
NatureHills.com is a great
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Reduce Water Consumption in Your Garden with Mulch
Mulch offers an effective way to conserve water. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, which means your plants will need less water overall. There are many different types of mulch available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
Mulch can be great for your garden if used correctly, but it can also harm your plants if done wrong. These tips will help you get the most from your mulching:
- Make sure to moisten the soil before you mulch. If your area has dry seasons, try to mulch before the dry season starts and the soil dries out.
- Don’t use fine-textured shredded wood waste. It can mat together and prevent moisture from reaching the soil, especially if you’re using drip irrigation that applies water a little at a time.
- When spreading mulch, be sure to maintain the ideal depth of about three inches. Too much mulch can hinder air circulation to the soil and promote mold growth. On the other hand, not enough mulch will reduce its water-saving capabilities. If you opt for mixed green waste, spread it two inches deep.
- Keep mulch a safe distance away from the base of trees and woody plants. The base of trees and shrubs needs access to airflow.
- Some beneficial insects nest in the soil, so leave some areas unmulched to allow them access to the ground.
All of these methods can help reduce water consumption in your garden, and they are all important during times of drought. By using these water conservation tips, you can help make a difference during these critical times.
Editor’s Note:
Another way to make your yard
and garden more environmentally
friendly is to upgrade your
gasoline-powered outdoor
equipment to energy efficient
cordless electric tools. Read
Gas vs. Electric Power Equipment.
Nicholas H. Parker is a content editor at DoMyWriting, where he has worked since 2020. His role as an editor involves ensuring that the articles published on the site are free of grammatical and spelling errors. He also reviews articles for content quality.
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