The practice of conserving water in gardening has several benefits. Firstly, it can lead to a huge save on your water bill, especially if you live in an area with water restrictions or high rates. Secondly, by limiting the amount of water taken from rivers, lakes, or groundwater, it helps in protecting the local environment, thereby ensuring its safety and sustainability. Finally, it can promote the growth of drought-tolerant plants, minimizing the need for excessive watering and, as a result, making your garden more robust to climate change.
Water conservation minimizes the demand on existing water supplies and the need for expensive investments in new water infrastructure. Moreover, conserving water can be helpful to reduce energy use because pumping and purifying water need a large amount of energy.
How to reduce water usage in landscaping
1. Choose native plants
Native plants are organisms that encourage growth in a specific place and have adapted to the soil, climate, and environmental conditions there. They frequently demand less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native plants and require less upkeep. Including native plants in landscaping can lead to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly design, as well as advantages like bringing in local fauna and improving soil health.
2. Group plants according to water needs
Using groups of plants to create a landscape is a crucial low-maintenance technique. Planting neighboring species with comparable demands, such as those with similar water and light requirements, can simplify maintenance tasks like watering and trimming. Also, grouping your plants creates visual interest and eliminates the need for extra garden elements like mulch or irrigation systems. Planting in groups can also help to suppress the growth of weeds and provide a more organic, cohesive appearance.
3. Incorporate mulch
Mulch is a low-maintenance landscaping solution that offers various advantages. Mulch can aid in the retention of soil moisture, the regulation of soil temperature, and the suppression of weed growth. It can also increase soil health and nutrient availability, as well as give garden beds a polished, uniform appearance. Mulching can also lessen the need for watering, fertilizing, and insect management, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly landscaping solution.
4. Water deeply and infrequently
Another method of low-maintenance landscaping that encourages healthy plant growth and minimizes water waste is deep and infrequent irrigation. Watering deeply and infrequently encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil in search of moisture, resulting in stronger, more durable plants. It also reduces water loss due to evaporation and runoff, as well as the risk of over-watering, which can result in plant stress, disease, and weed growth. This method also saves time and labor as less frequent watering is required.
5. Use efficient irrigation systems
Water should be distributed efficiently and evenly to garden beds using autonomous irrigation systems such as drip irrigation or sprinklers, avoiding the risk of over or under watering. This also promotes healthy plant growth while reducing weed growth. Irrigation systems can also be programmed on timers, making it simple and convenient to water on a continuous schedule.
By adhering to these suggestions, you can save water on your landscaping this spring and enjoy a beautiful, healthy landscape while lowering your water usage and saving money on your water bill. Reducing water usage on your Verona property’s outdoor spaces can help ensure we have enough clean and safe water for future generations.
Originally Published on April 16, 2021