We live in a day and age when water conservation and “going green” are big ideas. We’ve come to understand that our times of scarcity can be lessened if we take care to only use what we need; even when the resources are plentiful. If you are wondering how you can care for a garden while conserving water, then check out these tips!

Tips for Water Conservation

• If you want to keep the water from evaporating before the plants get a drink, then water the plants first thing in the morning, before the day gets too hot. Also, don’t sprinkle! Using sprinklers wastes water and does not help your plant as much because the water usually only falls on the plant leaves and then evaporates.

• Try slowly watering your plants at their roots to make sure they are getting the most out of the water that you use. You could try irrigation systems. They aren’t expensive and are easy to use. Trickle irrigation systems that provide small amounts of water to the base of individual plants are available. This makes sure that the water you use is going where it is needed the most.

• Plants with limited roots such as young or newly planted trees and flowers will suffer the worst during a drought, so make them your first priority when watering. Plants that have been in the ground for a while, especially native plants, are more capable of withstanding drought conditions. Try collecting water from the downspouts of your roof when it rains. Collecting runoff can help you have a source of water to use during drought seasons.

• Don’t forget to mulch your plants! Mulch helps lessen how much water evaporates from the gardening soil. You can use organic mulch like grass clippings and tree bark or you can even purchase plastic mulch to help preserve water.

A Better Way to Water Your Plants

• One way to slowly-water your plant is by using a plastic bottle, such as a 2-liter soda bottle. Punch a few small holes in the bottom of the bottle, fill it to the neck with water and replace the cap. Place it in the soil and use the cap to regulate the flow of water. Make sure when you are indoor gardening, you do not over water your plants. Over watering your plants can in fact kill them which are the number one reason that most houseplants die. Test the soil for moisture to see if it needs more watering. Stick you index finger into the soil and if it is damp, do not water your plant further.

• When planting a new rose bush, be sure to prune the canes to about eight inches before you plant the rose in the ground. Also, remove decayed wood at the ends of the canes. Pruning a new rose will encourage it to grow more quickly. Keep in mind when you are pruning, try and cut the canes at a 45-degree angle to help the plant to shed water.

• When you are organic gardening in a humid environment, water your plants in the early morning hours. This will help you prevent mildew. Watering in the morning also prohibits fungal growth that can occur in humid climates. You do not want mildew or fungal diseases to spread; it can lead to poor growth and unhealthy soil.

• When planting your tomatoes in your organic garden, you should always be sure you water them very deeply, but you shouldn’t water them frequently because this can damage them. You should aim to water them around once a week except for during the summer when you should water them every five days.

• If your garden is in the city, there are a few things you can do to lessen city noise. Try putting a water feature in your garden like a waterfall or fountain. This will create white noise that will deaden the effects of traffic noise. Add wind chimes, if you like, for additional distraction.

• When you plant a new tree, make sure you are watering it enough. Trees need a lot of water as it is. Planting a new tree, or transplanting an existing tree, is a shock for the plant. Water daily for the first few weeks until the tree gets well established.

Try This Time-Saving Method to Keep Your Potted Plants Watered

Watering plants can be a pain, especially if you have a lot of them. After spending lots of time making trips with a watering can, you’re probably ready for a new, more efficient way to water your plants. The easiest way to keep your plants watered is to use plant wicks. With this foolproof method, you can keep one or many plants watered easily. The best part is that you can use plant wicks on your houseplants, or for containers on your deck or patio.

What You Will Need

The first things you will need are some plant wicks. You can buy plant wicks at your local garden center for a few dollars apiece, or you can make your own. You can use thick cotton shoelaces, loosely braided strips of fabric or other absorbent materials to make a plant wick. You will also need either a bucket to hold water, or an assortment of bottles. If you choose to use bottles, make sure you have one for each plant.

How to Make Your Plant Wick Watering System

The set-up is easy. First, cut your plant wicks so that they will extend from the bottom of your water container to three inches below the soil line of the potted plant. Bury the plant wick near the roots of your plant, and place the other end of the plant wick in the container you’ve chosen as your water source. Fill the container with water, and you’re done! However, you will want to monitor your plant wicks for a few days. If the wick ever feels like it has dried out, that is probably because the wick material isn’t absorbent enough.

Tips and Tricks

To keep your plants healthy and happy, make sure you inspect the plant wicks every couple of weeks. If it seems like they’re molding or rotting, you should replace them so your plants don’t get sick. When it comes to selecting a container to use as a water reservoir, the choices are endless. Some people like to use the reservoirs as an extra decorative touch to their indoor gardens. Glass bottles work well for this since you can paint or decorate them however you like. For efficiency’s sake, many people like to use a large bucket. That way, potted plants can be placed all around the bucket, letting you water several pots from one reservoir.

Use these tips to keep your garden gorgeous! If you need more help with water conservation, talk to us. Schedule an Appointment Now 805-773-5395