Water wise gardening uses time-honored gardening methods coupled with new environmental and conservation principles.
Water wise gardening combines old-fashioned gardening techniques with water conservation principles, incorporating these ideas into developing a water-efficient garden.
It includes many of the same principles as xeric gardening does, but is much less stringent in its application.
Here are some guidelines for water wise gardening:
- Plan your garden. Developing a water efficient garden requires planning, knowing what to plant where, what type of irrigation systems to install, where to install them, what water sources you will use (rainwater, well water, water from streams, greywater, or any other type of water source.)
- Devise an efficient watering schedule that wastes no water. Many gardeners use far too much water in their garden and on their lawns. Understanding how much water your plants actually need, and how often they need it goes a long way toward having a water wise garden.
- Mulch. Proper mulching insulates the soil, preserves moisture there and inhibits weeds, which compete with your plants for water and nutrients.
- Use proper lawn maintenance techniques. These include using the right turf grass for your area, not over watering, over fertilizing or over use of pesticides.
- Have your soil tested and understanding the test results. Many agricultural universities can test your soil for a nominal fee.
- Use of water wise plants in your garden. These plants do not have to be drought-tolerant. They should be adapted to the water conditions of your area.
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