Water Conservation in the Garden

Water is our most precious resource. Smart gardening techniques can reduce your water usage by 50% or more while growing healthier, more resilient plants.

Why Conserve Water?

• Reduce water bills significantly
• Build drought-resilient gardens
• Protect local water supplies
• Less work watering
• Healthier root systems

The Power of Mulch

Mulching is the single most effective water-saving technique:

• Reduces evaporation by 70%
• Keeps soil cool in summer
• Prevents soil crusting
• Adds organic matter as it breaks down

Best Mulch Materials

• Wood chips: Long-lasting, free from arborists
• Straw: Excellent for vegetable gardens
• Leaves: Free, abundant, great nutrition
• Compost: Feeds plants while mulching

Efficient Irrigation

Drip Irrigation Benefits

• 90% water efficiency (vs. 50% for sprinklers)
• Water goes directly to roots
• Reduced disease (dry foliage)
• Can be automated
• Works with mulch

Watering Best Practices

• Water deeply and infrequently
• Water in early morning (less evaporation)
• Use a moisture meter or finger test
• Group plants by water needs
• Adjust seasonally

Rainwater Harvesting

Rain Barrel Basics

• 50+ gallons captured from ½" rain on 100 sq ft roof
• Connect to downspouts
• Use screens to keep debris out
• Elevate for gravity flow
• Cover to prevent mosquitoes

Larger Systems

• Multiple connected barrels
• Underground cisterns
• Pumped distribution systems
• First-flush diverters for cleaner water

Soil Improvement

Healthy soil holds more water:

• Add organic matter annually
• Avoid compaction (use pathways)
• Keep soil covered
• Encourage earthworm activity
• Use cover crops in off-season

Plant Selection

Drought-Tolerant Vegetables

• Tomatoes (once established)
• Peppers and eggplant
• Sweet potatoes
• Okra and cowpeas
• Melons and squash (deep roots)

Native Plants

Native plants are adapted to local rainfall patterns and typically need little to no supplemental water once established.

Garden Design for Water Efficiency

• Create swales to capture runoff
• Plant water-loving plants in low spots
• Use berms to direct water
• Reduce lawn areas
• Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning)

Gray Water Use

Reuse household water (check local regulations):

• Laundry rinse water (use plant-friendly detergent)
• Sink water (avoid water with harsh chemicals)
• Apply directly to soil, not edible plant parts