- During dry spells, a
heavier soaking 2-3 times a week is more effective than a light daily
watering.
- Hand watering allows you to
inspect each plant and quickly spot any concerns.
- Inspect all hoses for
leaks and make sure all connections fit tightly.
- Improve your soil with
lots of organic matter. This slows down the transpiration of water, giving
plants longer to take in what they need. Before you plant, mix in extra compost,
shredded leaves, compost manure, or peat moss.
- Install a drip
irrigation system. Drip irrigation minimizes evaporation loss and easily
saves up to 60% of the water used by a sprinkler system. Plan for different beds
to be on separate water timing schedules depending on their particular water
needs. A soaker hose also applies water slowly and evenly to the root zone,
minimizing water loss.
- Mulch well. Mulch
reduces evaporation, helping to retain water and can greatly reduce weeds. For
best results, cover your beds with 4-6 inches of organic matter such as compost,
bark, shredded leaves or newspaper, grass clippings or straw. Add one more inch
of mulch each year.
- Water early in the
morning or late in the evening. This maximizes water penetration and
minimizes evaporation.
- Water beds and lawn
infrequently, but slowly and deeply. This encourages roots to grow deeper
and is more effective than frequent, shallow watering.
- Control Weeds. Weeds
compete with other plants for water. Conserve on water by weeding
diligently.
- Design for your plants
watering needs. Choose plants that are native to your area and drought
tolerant. Group plants together with similar watering needs.
- Reduce the size of your
lawn. Turf grass is extremely water and labor intensive. Mow high and
often, leaving the clippings. Consider letting your lawn go brown during the
warmest season, but still water at least once a month.
- Prune. Pruning
strengthens plants and makes them less water-dependent.
- Harvest as soon as
veggies and fruits are ripe. Discard spent or diseased plants ASAP.
- Collect Free water.
Use a water barrel to capture and store chemical free water for
gardening.
From: Charley's Greenhouse and Garden [newsletters@charleysgreenhouse.com]
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