Conserving Precious Resources in the Garden

We take water for granted as an inexhaustible resource. But nothing is inexhaustible and water is no exception. If the years rainfall is below average, our gardens suffer.

What can we do to conserve water without sacrificing our beautiful gardens?

• Mulch - All seasons, every season. Mulch controls water loss through evaporation. Whether you use grass clippings, wood bark, or plastic mulch is up to you. The size of your garden will usually dictate the best mulch to use.
  
  
• Location - You would be shocked at the number of homeowners and gardeners who water the sidewalks and driveways of their home. Not only is that a waste of water, but if recycled water is used, it can also have an annoying after smell. Place any sprinklers away from anything that won't absorb the water.
  
  
• Sprinklers - themselves are not very water efficient for garden watering. Since sprinklers shoot water up into the air, much of it evaporates before it ever gets to the ground. A better conservation method is the slow soaking hose type that you lay directly next to plants or shrubs. Water seeps into the ground like rain rather than evaporates in a spray. Not only are they readily available but inexpensive as well.
  
  
• Collect Rain Water - which you can do with style nowadays with decorative barrels or containers. Place under a spot where rain always runs off.
  
  
• Finally timing - when you water your garden can also conserve water. Water early in the day before the sun and heat can evaporate the water. Watering in the heat of the day is not only a bad idea conservation wise, but can actually damage your plants as well if you water as the sun is beating down on them.

By following these simple steps, you can do your part to conserve one of our most precious resources water. If we all do our part, it makes a huge difference. Join us, won't you?