Conservation Challenge - Conserve Water in Your Garden

You can save water in the garden by some simply planning before you plant!

• group plants with the same water needs together

• plant heat loving perennials in the hottest spots of your garden

• arrange plants tightly: this will save water and choke out weeks

• in addition, if you have a particularly hot and sunny area, you can plant trees and shrubs strategically to provide shade and wind blockage, also reducing the need for watering.

Pick the right time to water

Plan planting your flowers or vegetables later in the day, when the sun is setting, so that your plants can establish a root system prior to the hot and sunny time. Water the hole you’re planting in, so your new plant has plenty of water at the root system. When the roots are deeper into the soil, they’re stronger and can fight against drought easier. Learn about your flowers, herbs and vegetables needs, and only water when needed. Tomatoes and peppers for example, only need watering every 2 to 3 days. Many herbs and flowers only need watering twice a week. And many vegetables require watering only when they’re flowering or fruiting. Knowing when to water will save lots of precious water.

Build up your soil

One of the best ways to grow a productive garden is to start out with great soil. Adding rich compost you make yourself will give your garden soil the proper nutrients necessary for thriving vegetation. Remember to add mulch and cover your garden between growing seasons to help reduce evaporation and keep down weeds. Weeds not only compete for water in your garden: they also use up the nutrients your veggies need. If you spend the time to improve your soil before you start planting, you’ll be rewarded later on.