There are lots of ways to decrease the amount of water used in a garden. Rain barrels and rain gardens make use of the water that runs off your house during a rainstorm. Water-absorbing crystals and proper mulching can increase the amount of water stored in your garden's soil. Using drip irrigation and plant less thirsty plants to decrease the amount of water used by a healthy garden. Does this Spark an idea?
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are essentially depressions where runoff from your house and yard collects and infiltrates into the groundwater. When located appropriately, they benefit local water quality while decreasing the amount of hose water you have to use to keep your plants happy. Most plants, including trees, vegetables, native wildflowers, and others can be planted in a rain garden.
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels collect runoff from your roof during rain events. The rainwater they store can then be used instead of tap water to irrigate your garden or lawn, decreasing the strain on local water resources. During a 2-inch rain, thousands of gallons flow off the typical roof. Catching, storing, and using this water for irrigation can add up to major savings over the course of a year.
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation makes more efficient use of water than typical irrigation techniques by ensuring that water goes only where it is needed by slowly releasing water directly into the soil, thus preventing water loss due to evaporation or runoff. Drip hoses are available at most lawn and garden stores.
Use Less Greedy Plants
Choose less thirsty crops. Things like tomatoes and strawberries require more water than do onions and beans. Consider using native plants. They require very little water since they have evolved to survive in local conditions. Group plants by water demand, and use only as much water as needed in each section or your garden.
.
Water-Conserving Soil Supplements
Mulching the surface of your garden helps the soil retain moisture and also helps prevent the growth of weeds. Adding peat or "water crystals" to your soil can also help retain moisture and lower the amount and frequency of irrigation needed.
Tags: your garden, amount water, amount water used, decrease amount, decrease amount water, from your