Flower and vegetable gardening continues to gain in popularity throughout the country. Whether you simply enjoy the activity and resulting colors or you prefer to eat your own produce rather than store bought, the fact remains that your garden can use massive quantities of water. As more and more municipalities enforce watering restrictions, which can turn into outright watering bans during extreme dry spells, here are some tips you can use to reduce the amount of water your garden needs.
Choose the right plants.
Consider planting a perennial garden instead of planting annuals every year. Once established with drought tolerant plants, a perennial garden requires far less water than an annual garden. Choose plants native to your location; they'll thrive whereas foreign species will require much more care.
Compost.
Adding compost to the soil increases the ability of sandy soil to retain moisture, and will improve the drainage of clay soil. Adding compost also supplies much needed nutrients to your garden without your plants becoming thirsty.
Mulch.
Mulching is simply the addition of a layer of plant material, usually 3-4 inches, to your garden. Mulch takes many forms such as small pieces of bark, clean straw, shredded leaves (not whole leaves as whole leaves will prevent rainwater from penetrating), wood chips and even stones. A layer of mulch keeps the soil temperature down and reduces evaporation. An added benefit is less weeds. Mulch will decompose over time, adding nutrients to your garden, so plan on replacing your mulch layer every couple of years.
Avoid fertilizer.
Synthetic and high nitrogen fertilizers tend to promote maximum growth, which is great if you're entering a gardening contest, but maximum growth also means an increased need for water.
Cut back on the grass.
More and more people are abandoning high maintenance lawns in favor of more carefree, and environmentally friendly, plants such as drought tolerant ground covers and low shrubs. Perennial rye grasses are becoming very popular as is creeping thyme.
Use a rain barrel.
Many municipalities, particularly those in drought prone regions, offer incentives for the installation of a rain barrel, so before you go out to buy one, check with your local government office for details. Use your rain barrel to fill your watering can in periods of prolonged drought.
Water wisely.
Far too many people water their lawns and gardens for hours at a time during the middle of the day, which is when evaporation is greatest. Water sparingly first thing in the morning to minimize evaporation. Overwatering will not encourage deep root growth, but watering infrequently, and only when absolutely essential, will. Consider using soaker hoses instead of a regular sprinkler. If you put them down before laying down the mulch, the water is far less likely to evaporate.
