There is a lot more to watering a garden than just getting out the hose or turning on a sprinkler system. You can save water--rationed in some areas--by making sure your soil has the proper consistency, by mulching, and by collecting rainwater in used containers. Does this Spark an idea?
Grouping similar plants
Preserve water by grouping plants with similar watering requirements close to each other. Use the terrain to your benefit by placing plants requiring heavy watering in flat areas or depressions where moisture will be retained longer. Plants with lower water requirements should be on hills or in exposed areas where the water will run off or evaporate.
Soil
If you have clay or sandy soil, add sphagnum moss or compost to increase your soil's ability to retain moisture. Prevent water runoff by adding sand to clay soil. Maintaining a good mixture of sand, peat and compost will help retain water and prevent water runoff.
Mulching
Adding mulch around the base of plants will help retain moisture and hold heat. When mulch breaks down, it will add nutrients to the soil. A bark mulch prevents the soil from washing away so is best for planting on sloping areas. In more level areas of the garden, use a shredded mulch. Landscape fabric or gravel can retain moisture and prevent weeds, but an organic mulch such as pine bark are better for the environment.
Water delivery systems
Gardeners who want to enjoy nature and spend time in the sunshine like to water by hand. But if you don't want to do that, you might want to install watering systems with automatic timers, or portable sprinklers that can be moved to provide more or less water in different areas of the garden.
Soaker hoses
Soaker hoses can be expensive and they can eventually wear out. You can make your own soaker hose from an old worn out garden hose by poking holes in it about every inch. Soaker hose gets water around the base of the plants and lowers the risk of leaf diseases.
Rain barrels and buckets
If you use a rain barrel to collect rain make sure it is covered to reduce mosquito infestation. You can scoop water from a barrel with a bucket to water the garden. Home improvement and garden centers sell fancy rain barrels, but any big barrel will do just as well. Five-gallon buckets also work well. Make sure these containers are thoroughly cleaned of any chemical residues and that they are covered when not in use.
Tags: retain moisture, areas garden, around base, around base plants, base plants, help retain, Soaker hoses