This week we observed World Water Day, March 22. There are many ways to conserve water in our landscape and gardens, there are also ways to cutdown or eliminate the need to sprinkle or water. Here are a few:

Add Mulch

A layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch protects the soil and helps retain moisture around your plants, As an added bonus, it cuts down on weeds.

Build a Rain Garden

If you have an area in your lawn or on your property where water collects, consider plantings that tolerate wet soil or require moisture and build a rain garden; or plant under downspouts or to catch roof runoff. Plants also help filter out pollutants in the air and rain water.

Choose Plants for Your Area

Plants that are native to where you live are grown to tolerate local conditions and will thrive much more easily. If you live in an area where summers are hot and dry, as I do, choose heat-tolerant plants that will require less water.

Install a Rain Barrel

There a so many new options available now to collect rain water, build a rain barrel into your garden or landscape and you have free water. I don’t know about your area, but water in mine or very expensive to buy.

These are just a few suggestions of ways to conserve water in your garden or landscape without sprinklers or watering. Another time we will look at how we can conserve when our plants do need to be watered.