WATERING

Interesting Fact: “For every 1% that you increase your soil’s organic matter, you increase the water absorption capacity by 16,000 gallons of plant-available water per acre, down to one foot deep” (EPA).

• Pick plants that will make your gardening easier. When choosing plants and flowers for your yard, try to use native plants because, as you would expect, they tend to adapt better to the surrounding environment, and also have evolved to be more resistant to local diseases and pests. In many cases, they also require less maintenance and watering.
  
  
• Add compost to the top layer of your lawn to make the most out of each drop of water. Compost will increase the amount of water absorbed and will decrease watering frequency. You can also save money and contribute less to landfills by composting your own biodegradable materials.
  
  
• In addition to curbing weed growth, placement of mulch over a plant’s roots will save water and inhibit moisture evaporation.
  
  
• In order to save water, it is crucial to find out exactly what your lawn requires so as not to over-do a good thing. Listen to your grass and follow the watering indicators it gives you:
  
  
  • If your grass is lacking its luster or holds onto your footprints after you walk across it, now is the time to water.
    
    
• Soaker hoses offer a great alternative to sprinklers and can conserve up to 50% more water.
  
  
• Consider using an outdoor water timer to ensure that you are watering correctly and only when necessary for healthier plants and less wasted water.
  
  
• Water lawns separately from other plantings.
  
  
• When using a sprinkler to water your lawn, make sure that you are watering only your lawn and not your driveway.
  
  
• Make sure to give your soil some time to soak up water, so if water puddles, stop and wait for it to be absorbed.
  
  
• The early morning is the best time to water as evaporation increases throughout the afternoon, and evening watering could lead to mold or plant diseases.
  
  
• Take advantage of the rain! Try to direct the run-off from gutters into your lawn so it will be absorbed rather than streaming into other water supplies.
  
  
• Lawns need only about one inch of water a week to stay green in the summer, so be conscience of this fact, especially if your area is in the midst of a drought.

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