Saving Water in The Garden
Australia is the driest continent on Earth, yet we use more water than
any other countries in the world. Saving water can be done in many ways
and it usually starts from you. We knew that having a garden in our
backyard can be fulfilling but saving water doesn't mean that we have to
compromise our garden. It is possible to save water while keeping our
beautiful and attractive garden. The use of water outdoors has the
largest water consumption in a household. Although plants may consume
large amount of water, saving water in the garden is at your reach when
you know how to go about it. Here are some tips that proves helpful:
Plan Your Garden
Gardens have different regions- some may receive more sun or shade than
the others, thus, some are wetter or drier. Other regions of your garden
may also be more exposed to wind. In planting, or gardening, the type of
seeds to be planted in each region should be chosen carefully.
Group Plants
Plants that have the same amount of water absorption should be planted
near each other. Instead of the little sprinkle of water everyday that
do get really get to the roots of these plants, a good soak could last
for several days. Plants with tolerance to drought should not be placed
next to plants that absorbs a lot of water.
Choose Plant Species Carefully
Check the type of soil you have in your area and choose plants that
naturally grow in the type of soil and climate you have. Plants that
consume less water should be a requirement in the sunny, drier climates
and those that consume a lot of water be in the cooler and wetter
places. Wise plant choice can dramatically reduce the need for a lot of
watering.
Use The Soil To Store Water
The soil structure of your garden is one component that will help in
conserving water. A good structure takes from what it was developed
from, the environmental conditions it was exposed to and the percentage
of clay that is present in its composition and also the amount of
organic material. If the structure of the soil is good- more organic
material, less toxins- it could help in the growth of the plant because
penetration of moisture and nutrients will be better.
Watering – Not Wasting
Timing your watering can help in reducing water consumption in your
garden. Watering when the sun is not high up, like early in the morning
or the evening, can help the soil absorb more water. Irrigation systems
can be helpful when timed appropriately and when an appropriate amount
of water is delivered to the part of the garden where the water is
needed. Matching your irrigation system with a rain sensor will prevent
watering when it is raining. Several equipments are available in the
nearest hardware store will help you conserve water but the key to most
of these equipments to help in your endeavor for conservation is to
check for leaks in the equipments or your connections.
Collect Your Own Water
Using recycled water from laundry, dish washing and bathing means that
water is available to you anytime. Storing rain water for your plants
can also help conserve water and ensure a supply of water all year round
even in the summer when rainwater is scarce.
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