Tips for Using Water Wisely

During the summer months it's important to supply your plants with enough water to keep them healthy and strong. However, as temperatures rise, soil dries out and reservoirs lose water from evaporation, getting enough water to your plants can be difficult. Here are a few helpful tips on how to use water more efficiently.

Water Saving Tips

1. water deeper and slower

   Water in the soil evaporates from the surface, causing the shallower soil to dry out while the deeper soil remains moist. Plants that have a deeper root system are far less likely to be damaged by drought because they are able to make use of the water in the deeper soil. To encourage a plant to develop a deep root system and use water more efficiently, water with lower pressure over a longer period of time. Let your hose trickle at the base of the plant anywhere from half an hour to an hour depending on the size of the root ball. This will allow the water to deeply penetrate the soil and encourage deeper root growth. When water is applied at a higher rate for short periods of time, it will spread across the surface of the ground and will evaporate before it can be used by the plant.

2. Use Mulch

   A 2-3 inch layer of mulch will insulate the soil and the roots which will keep them cooler and prevent water loss from evaporation.

3. Set up a Schedule

   Don't try to water your entire yard at one time. Section off your yard and set up a schedule for watering each area. There are two advantages to developing a watering schedule, it will allow you to water slower and longer, and it will allow enough time between waterings for the soil to dry.

4. Use a Soaker Hose

   Soaker hoses are made of a porous rubber that allows water to leak out the sides of the hose. The hose can be woven around the plants in a hedge or a garden bed and water them all at the same time.