Water Conservation Garden
We All Need to Conserve Water

A water conservation garden helps us all toward improvement of our ecology and economy. Everyone can conserve water, and we must do our best to do so.

Water Conservation for Container Plants
Just as important as keeping your plants healthy by not over irrigating is the water you conserve by watering properly. Plants in containers usually need frequent watering, but the right container will help. Terra cotta can be quite attractive, but it draws moisture from the soil. Metal and plastic as well as larger pots and wood planters retain moisture longer. A moisture meter will tell you when to water. Absent one, stick your index finger in the soil. If it is dry about one-and-one-half inches down, water. If damp, do not water. You can also use a self-watering pot, a drip irrigation system, or a slow-release irrigation supplement. The latter comes in a package. You can either put it on the surface or bury by the plant roots. Your plants will receive a steady moisture supply up to three months.

Water Conservation Through Mulching
Mulching helps prevent moisture loss from evaporation, assists drainage, frozen plant roots, and weed growth. It also encourages root growth, makes nutrients more available to plants, and cools the soil during hot weather. Mulch can be either organic or inorganic. Examples are wood chips (avoid those from chemical treated lumber), gravel, compost, crushed brick, etc. Leaving about three inches of clearing from the plant base, spread around a layer of mulch from one to three inches. Water down the mulch. Rake the mulch whenever its color fades. Add more mulch when the layer has thinned that it does not sufficiently block the sun and prevent weeds from growing. Too much mulch thickness can also prevent irrigation from getting to the soil.

Water Conservation Through Water-Use Zoning
There are usually three water-use zones when considering water conservation. Group plants according to their water requirements.
  • High – plants need regular watering in the absence of rainfall
  • Moderate – established plants are watered when wilting, changing color, and other signs of moisture stress. Some examples are azaleas, Japanese maple, etc.
  • Low – plants that can survive just on natural rainfall. Observe what native plants in your area have adjusted to weather conditions.
Know your garden better. Be aware of where the shady areas are, where the soil drains well, flat areas, etc. Choose plants in accordance with your microclimates.

Water Conservation Through Sound Reason
  • Do not irrigate according to a fixed schedule. Plants’ water needs depend on humidity, temperature, soil, mulching, etc. Take time to adjust controls and timers as needed.
  • Develop your soil. If you have an established garden, improve the soil retention quality of the soil through regular mulch application. For new gardens, mix about two inches of organic compost in the top seven or eight inches of the soil.
  • Drip irrigation systems, tap timers, etc. assist in water conservation.
  • Watering cans help water go to the plant roots where it is needed.
  • Trees have roots that extend from the trunk to receive their nutrients.  Water them around the outside instead of at the base.
  • A hose can make watering easier on you, but it will not help toward conservation. You will find that you either water too lightly and too frequently. Not all plants do well with hand-held hoses.
Recap
Keep up with the mulch, gradually improve the organic content of your soil, water as necessary, and be observant. A water conservation garden is within your reach!


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