Cut Water Costs in
Your Garden
By Keesa DuPre
Photo: © Elena Elisseeva / Dreamstime
 Do high water bills have you down? Here are some techniques—some simple, some not so simple—to help you cut down on water costs over the summer. Applying even one will help reduce your water bill. Applying most or all will net you drastic reductions.
1. Water Deep, Not Often. Far too many people try to save water by reducing the time they spend watering; for example, they water twenty minutes instead of an hour. When you water for only a few minutes, you don't give the water time to soak deeply into the soil. The result is a shallow layer of damp earth that encourages shallow roots. When the next drought comes along, you may find yourself having to water two or three times a day just to keep your plants from drying out.
Instead, water deep. Let the sprinkler or hose run for an hour or an hour and a half at a time, but only every other day in dry conditions (water every three or four days when there's plenty of moisture in the air). This gives the water plenty of time to soak deeply into the ground.
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Roots will go deeper, and as a result, they won't be damaged when it turns hot and dry and the top six inches of earth dry out.
2. Plant Local. Local plants belong in your microclimate. Because these are their natural conditions, they are better equipped by nature to handle them. If you live in a dry area, use plants that can take the drought. Using native plants can cut back on your need to water by anywhere from 30 to 50 percent.
3. Ditch the Lawn. Although this may seem to be an extreme measure for some people to take, replacing your high-maintenance lawn with beds full of flowers that are local to your area may be the best possible way to cut down on your water bill. If you absolutely must have a lawn (and you may find this less necessary than you think), look into replacing your current turf with a more drought-resistant grass.
4. Save Planting for the Spring and Fall. New plants haven't yet had a chance to get established or get their roots deep into the soil. As a result, they need watering almost daily. Save planting for spring or even until fall, if you're planting hardy perennials or bulbs. Cooler weather means you won't have to water as often, and by the time the heat comes around, your new plants should be well enough established to fit with the watering schedule of the rest of the garden. |
