GARDENER'S READING ROOM
The Art of Gardening
Lawn Care
More Gardening Topics

Water Wise Gardening

Yes, it’s true we started the year with a limited snowpack and low winter rains. Often when we have a dry mild winter we get a spring and summer cooler and wetter than usual. But it’s both possible and responsible to enjoy gardening and landscaping in a water-wise manner.

Landscape professionals generally agree that most landscapes receive more water than is strictly necessary. Water wisely and efficiently, using only what’s needed to keep your plants in good shape. If you have room, consider installing a rain barrel under one of your downspouts. Rainwater is excellent for watering delicate plants.

Start your water-wise garden with a good garden design, proper soil preparation, and mulching. Group plants with similar watering needs so you won’t waste water on plants that will be happy without. Right plant, right place thinking will save you water—and also time, money, and frustration! We have information sheets listing plants for different situations, or our experts can advise you. If need be, move your favorite “water-greedy” plants to an area where you can give them supplemental water without irrigating your whole garden.

Good soil is critical to reducing water use. Loose, fertile soil encourages vigorous root growth, allowing plants to draw deeper for their water needs. Adding compost both loosens the soil and increases its ability to retain moisture—compost holds over 30 times its weight in water. In a new bed, dig in at least a 3” layer of compost. If you’re renovating an old bed, dig in compost where possible—where you can’t dig it in, topdress with it.

And don’t forget to fertilize with a good slow-release fertilizer, preferably organic—well-fed plants tolerate drought stress better. (Too much fast-release nitrogen, however, can encourage over-lush growth that would be vulnerable to wilting.) Adding microbial soil conditioners can also help improve root growth—and water-uptake—in turf, trees, and flowers. Finally, Poly Aqua crystals can be used in both containers and beds to hold a reservoir of water for your plants, reducing the need to water as often.

Mulches are the third critical component for water-wise landscapes. Mulch reduces water evaporation, retains water itself, discourages weed growth, and looks good. By using 2” of mulch around trees and in your beds you can reduce your water needs. (Use only 1” around rhodies and azaleas.) Be careful not to apply the mulch too thickly around the trunks and crowns of your plants. Sky has a complete selection of mulches available in bags or bulk for all your gardening needs.

Keep those weeds pulled, too! Weeds not only look ugly, they steal nutrients and water from your plants, and they pull moisture up from the soil and evaporate it away.

Tips for Water Wise Gardening:
1. Thatch your lawn if necessary. Thatch reduces penetration of water, air, and nutrients.
2. Aerate your lawn if soil is compacted. This increases water and air penetration.
3. Fertilize with a balanced slow release fertilizer. Improper fertilizing (either too little or too much) will leave your plants more vulnerable to drought stress.
4. Eliminate weeds. Weeds are water thieves, stealing water both from your plantings and from your subsoil.
5. Mow your lawn often and leave the clippings (90% water, 9% fertilizer).
6. Mulch your beds!
7. Make sure your hoses and sprinklers are in good shape. Leaky hoses or sprinklers are big water wasters! Use soaker hoses where possible.
8. Water early in the day or on cloudy days to avoid loss due to evaporation.
9. Water slowly and deeply to avoid water loss due to runoff.
10. When selecting plants consider their water consumption. Group plants in your garden according to their water needs. Stop by Sky Nursery to pick up our extensive list of trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcovers that tolerate limited water.
11. Be sure to stop by Sky Nursery and learn about the many water wise products we are carrying to make your gardening experience a success. One of our knowledgeable employees will be happy to help you.

By Ken Plante
Skylights Spring/Summer 2001, Vol 15, No. 2

Other articles on the art of gardening

Other articles on lawn care

Other articles on gardening topics