Water availability isn't necessarily a function of how much it rains. Reservoirs can be full of water, but if a city's water-treatment facility can't handle the demand from homeowners who desire green lawns in the middle of summer, water shortages may result. The need for improvements at many water-treatment facilities across the country is often more responsible for water shortages than a lack of rainfall. It makes sense to save water whenever and wherever possible, both inside and out. Here are some steps to help to conserve water outdoors:
- Don't water until plants need it. Far more plants die as a result of overwatering than underwatering. When do plants need water? Let your finger be your guide. Dig down a couple inches near the base of the plants, and if the soil is bone dry, water. In addition, when a plant begins to show signs of wilt, especially in the morning, it probably needs water.
- Water early in the morning, when temperatures are mild and winds are calm. Less water will be lost through evaporation.
- Deep soak each time you water.
- Don't water if rain is in the forecast.
- Check hose connections for leaks, and repair them quickly.
- Adjust sprinklers so the water is aimed directly at plants rather than sidewalks, paths, driveways or fences. Use sprinklers that emit large droplets to reduce losses due to evaporation.
- Stop watering whenever runoff occurs, especially on slopes. That may mean turning the water on and off in cycles to allow moisture to soak into the ground, but it's better than having the water flow down the street.
- Grow drought-tolerant plants. A number of beautiful plants, both native and non-native, can survive with less than an inch of water a week once they're established.
- Place water-loving plants in areas that receive shade in the afternoon. Even sun-loving plants will be fine provided they receive morning to midday light.
- Create windbreaks around vegetable gardens to shelter plants and prevent drying.
- Add hydrogels to plants that dry out quickly, whether in the garden or in containers. These water-absorbing polymer crystals swell to several times their original size and slowly release water into the surrounding soil.
- Install a moisture sensor on automatic sprinkler systems. This is a probe placed in the ground that determines when the soil needs water and turns on the sprinkler. This is probably one of the smartest water-saving devices ever invented.
- Capture and recycle rainwater by placing barrels or buckets beneath your downspouts. Go one step further and modify your plumbing, assuming local codes allow, to divert gray water--that is, drain water from indoor sources other than the toilet. Use it to water your lawn and landscape plants.
- Install drip-irrigation systems and soaker hoses in flower and vegetable gardens, around trees and shrubs, even in containers.
- Mulch like crazy to slow the evaporation of moisture from the soil and keep the soil cool. Try to use organic mulches, which slowly break down and add organic matter to the soil.
- Keep weeds out of flower and vegetable gardens. Weeds are notorious for stealing water from other plants, so if you keep their populations in check, you won't have to water as often.
- Use watering cans for just a few patio plants. Watering with a hose may put more water on the patio than in the containers as you move from plant to plant.
