WATER CONSERVATION

Water Conservation can be achieved through use of products, drought resistant plants or good gardening practices.

The biggest mistake gardeners make is watering too often with too little water. A good deep ground soaking (1” – 1 ¼” of water) once per week is the ideal way to water most shrubs, trees, perennials and bedding plants. Hand watering with a water wand around the base of plants is the best way to water well and conserve water. A weeping type of water hose is far better than any sprinkler and impulse sprinklers are better than oscillating types.

When planting new plants make sure to incorporate a good organic material like Bumper Crop into the soil for moisture retention, additionally mulching with 2” of mulch will slow down moisture loss. In containers and new beds mix in a polymer like moisture mizer throughout the soil. These hold 200-300 times their weight in water and give it back to the soil as it dries out. These measures will considerably reduce your watering requirements.

The best time to water is very early in the morning. Set up soaker hoses in your beds and with an automatic timer have it come on at 4:00 - 5:00 am and run for several hours once per week.

To water trees slowly and save water use an alligator bag. This holds several gallons of water and applies them to the roots very slowly - a great way to water. Also don’t forget to weed your beds because weeds will steal a great deal of water from your valued plants.

 

  

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