You have probably noticed the water bill rising when you try to keep the garden green through hot summer months. These tips for saving water in the garden can help protect both your budget and the environment.
Save water in the garden – efficient irrigation
Many garden plants suffer as much from overwatering as from too little water. A portable lawn sprinkler can use a surprising amount of water in an hour, depending on the model and pressure, so efficient irrigation quickly makes a difference.
Save water in the garden – watering the plants properly
Water-saving tips
– Water at night or early in the morning, preferably before 9 or 10 a.m., to reduce evaporation.
– Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the plants. Sprinklers cover a wider area, but much of the spray can miss the target.
– Use a rain sensor or timer to prevent overwatering.
– Water only the plants that need it. Learn the needs of each plant and adjust the amount of water accordingly.
The choice of plants
Lawns usually demand more water than most other elements in the landscape. Replacing part of a lawn with alternative planting can save water. Ground covers and drought-resistant plants are good options; creeping juniper and hardy ferns, for example, can work well in suitable climates.
Stepping stones and gravel instead of grass
If you want to keep a lawn, remember that grass species have different water needs. The next time you reseed, choose drought-tolerant varieties such as zoysia or fescue, depending on your climate.
Retain moisture – the benefits of mulch
Mulch is every gardener’s ally. It helps limit water loss through evaporation and protects roots from extreme heat. It also reduces weeds, which compete with garden plants for both nutrients and available water.
Palms and ferns
Drought-tolerant plants
Perennials and shrubs
Umbrella and chairs
Different plant species
Mulched flower beds
Raised beds along a high fence
Rock garden
Taus Kishiev
miranda_shida
Peter Dark
Anna Lohan
Lincoln Matheson
