Adequate water is crucial to the health and well being of all plants. Yet water is a precious resource and cannot be wasted. There are several ways to conserve water using techniques that minimize water use, recycle domestic water and planting flowers that require less water to thrive.
Techniques that Conserve Water
To reduce waste, try the following strategies:
- Check the sprinkler to be sure that it is only watering the lawn or garden, not the sidewalk or driveway.
- Water plants in the early morning or evening when it is cool to lessen evaporation. Watering in the morning will also give plants a chance to dry off thus preventing mold or mildew.
- Don’t run the irrigation or water system when it is raining.
- Take care on windy days not to have the water blow away from where it is needed.
- Plant flowers and vegetables in the same bed to conserve watering. According to an article published by the Oregon State University Extension Office (1992) on water conservation, gardeners should consider planting vegetables and flower in a common bed. The Extension Office reports that the watering schedule for food crops will be the same or close to that of many flowering plants.
- Mulching is another strategy for reducing water usage in the garden. Mulch can either be organic (i.e. grass clippings, hay, bark, etc) or inorganic (plastic or rock). Putting down a layer of mulch reduces weed growth and holds in moisture. Weeds compete with garden plants for water. Reducing their access to water conserves moisture for those plants that a gardener is trying to support. Another benefit from mulching is that as it decomposes it adds nutrients and keeps the soil loose. Inorganic material will last a long time but may prove difficult to remove if your gardening plans change.
Collecting Rain Water and Other Strategies
Gardeners can use rain barrels or other containers to collect rain water. It is important to use a rain barrel that can be closed to prevent mosquitoes from gathering.
Gray water or household waste water from kitchen sinks, tubs, washers etc can be used to water plants. According to the EPA, the City of St. Petersburg, Florida has established an urban dual distribution system for reclaimed water for nonpotable uses that serves more than 7,000 homes and companies. Before rushing out and using water from the tub, gardeners should check their local ordinances to be sure that using gray water is permissible.
Plant Selection
- Xeriscaping, involves the use of drought tolerant plants in landscaping. Some plants that fall in this category (other than just cacti or succulents) include: Rocky Mountain Zinnia, lavender, rosemary, grasses such as crested wheatgrass, common blue fescue.
- It is important to use containers sparingly as they require more frequent watering. The soil in containers tends to dry out more quickly as compared to garden plots because pots do not have the benefit from layers of dirt and mulch to seal in moisture.
There are many ways to use water wisely in the garden. Gardeners can collect or re-use water, water judiciously and rely on plants that do not require a lot of moisture to thrive.
Michele Dane - I have more than 25 years in strategic planning for healthcare, social service and not-for-profit organizations. In this capacity, I ...
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