Conserving Water in Garden

Water conservation can encompass many things around the home but with the warmer season fast approaching it’s good to review a few tips for using less.

After all, this is the time we’d be more inclined to douse plants out of fear the California sun will burn them up before the day it through.

However, the truth is unless they are non-native species and aren’t used to the climate most need very little moisture to survive.

That said, consider these steps towards using water more efficiently in the yard and garden. Doing so saves money on monthly bills and if we all do them together will help conserve fresh water resources that have been depleted in recent years, mainly due to drought.  

Watering can

Although it may be fun to stand on one side of a yard holding the hose spraying vegetables, flowers, and other vegetation most of that water is being wasted and will probably feed weeds you’re not interested in cultivating. For this reason use a watering can as your instrument for feeding. It has a gentler stream that won’t over power plants and can be maneuvered more easily than a hose which can also damage plants in it’s path.

Water towards the base

With the watering can in hand aim for the roots of plants when feeding. After all that’s where water needs to go for nutrients to get absorbed and plants to stay healthy.

Drip irrigate

If watering everything by hand is difficult day after day try installing a drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation consists of rubber tubing that is laid out around the yard and garden and when turned on will feed plants by dripping water out of little holes made in the cylinder. This is an especially efficient way of conserving water in the garden and can be set up by a local Santa Ana landscaper.

Reuse water

Stop for a minute and think about the various ways throughout the day water is wasted at home. It may be from the shower while waiting for the perfect temperature, that glass you couldn't finish, or what’s left in a pot after boiling eggs on the stovetop. All of these are instances where water can be reused in the garden instead of being poured down the drain.

Feed early

Whichever way you decide to feed plants do it early in the morning before the full heat of the sun is felt. This gives water a better chance of seeping into the soil and keeping roots moist further into the day. Otherwise the later it gets moisture will evaporate more quickly and it will be harder  to keep plants strong and healthy during the scorching midday hours.

Mulch

Mulching around plants is another way of helping conserve water. How so? Mulch acts like protective barrier shielding the earth from the heat resulting in soil retaining moisture even longer into the day.

Native species

As already mentioned natives species do best in their native climates. As a result if you’re planning on redoing the landscape around your home inquire about some of those varieties.

Low maintenance species

Alternatively low maintenance species help with conservation because they usually require little water. Some examples include herbs like lavender and rosemary bushes. Not only are they great for dry regions but will add beauty to an exterior along with providing homeowners with the resources for making things like essential oils and natural bug repellents. Finally, herbs are simply wonderful to walk by, take in the hand, and breath in their sweet smelling aroma.

Jakob Barry is a green living journalist for Networx.com. Networx.com helps homeowners save time, money and frustration by connecting them with home improvement professionals. From plumbers and roofers to landscaping contractors, Networx simplifies the process of locating a reliable professional.

Photo courtesy of Diner Series