Gardeners all across the continent are facing periodic drought, high water bills, seasonal water restrictions, and a global concern about potable water. What’s an environmentally conscious gardener to do?
The 2013 Old Farmer’s Almanac All-Seasons Garden Guide has some answers. In an article called “Be Water-Wise,” author Cynthia Van Hazinga outlines advice on how to save water by making sure that your garden is as water-efficient as possible. The benefits can also extend to your family’s financial bottom line: a water-efficient landscape can cut water use by 20 to 50 percent per year—saving up to 10,000 gallons—and shave $30 to $70 off the average annual household water bill.
The easiest way to start saving water in the garden is by following these 8 Top Water-Saving Tips from The Old Farmer’s Almanac All-Seasons Garden Guide!
8 Top Water-Saving Tips
1. Improve soil’s water-holding capacity with compost.
2. Install efficient drip irrigation systems.
3. Choose plants that tolerate drought.
4. Group plants with similar water needs; set those with high need in shallow depressions.
5. Water gardens deeply but infrequently; shallow watering encourages shallow roots.
6. Reuse water from roof and driveway runoff and use waste water.
7. Mulch to conserve moisture.
8. Reduce lawns; plant ornamental grasses or ground covers instead.
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