While it might be tempting to let your sprinklers run every day in pursuit of a picture-perfect lawn, it’s also costly and environmentally inefficient. The same idea applies to heavily watering your plants and flowers. So, what’s a gardener to do?
The short answer: a few things. Thanks to the help of our lawn and garden care experts, VistaPro has compiled a list of 3 easy, water-saving tips that are sure to save you time (and money) in the long run.
Know When to Water Your Potted Plants and Garden
Few people realize there are ideal times to water pot plants. In fact, research has shown that watering pot plants during the day can significantly improve growth when compared with early morning irrigation. Why? Part of the reason is due to the fact potting mixes tend to dry out quickly, and require more moisture in the afternoon when temperatures rise and sunlight is optimal.
The exact opposite applies when watering the rest of your garden. Many experts encourage early morning watering, before temperatures begin to rise and winds pick up speed. By watering your lawn and garden in the early morning, you can prevent moisture loss due to evaporation and ensure your plantings get enough water to their roots.
Another useful tip: Avoid watering in the evening, if possible, as it increases the chance for fungal growth.
Consider Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is another way to save significant amounts of water. Most often employed in arid regions, xeriscaping refers to the intentional use of drought-tolerant, slow-growing plants in a garden. It’s waste-efficient landscaping to the nth degree, and a strategy that requires knowing which plants to buy, where to place them, and how to maintain the conservation landscape over time.
Harvest and Reuse WaterÂ
This is one of the easiest conservation techniques of all. Think of rainwater — it’s free, comes from the sky, and there’s often plenty to go around. Consider installing a water tank that collects runoff from your downspouts to use later in your garden. Another helpful strategy is to save your cooking water. After you’re done steaming or boiling vegetables, wait for the water to cool. The result? You’ve got a free fertilizer for your plants! Conserving water has never been easier.