Water conservation is extremely important, especially in areas where drought conditions may be prevalent. While you want to keep your lawn looking its best, you need to learn how to water it properly so the plants thrive and no water is wasted.
Smart Ways to Save Water
There are many ways to save water when it comes to your lawn and garden.The following tips are helpful if you are concerned about your water usage:
- Keep a rain gauge in your garden and skip your next watering schedule if you receive 3/4 to 1 inch of rainfall in a week.
- Group plants that have similar watering plants.
- Add mulch to reduce moisture loss, prevent weeds and to slow down the erosion.
- Create mounds, basins or swales where water will get collected and irrigate the nearby plants.
- Deep soak your lawn so most of the water goes to the roots
- Don’t leave your hose turned on while you are washing your car
- Water your garden and lawn during the earliest hours of the morning
- Use an irrigation system that is set on a timer
- Add organic matter to your landscaped area to prevent water from evaporating
- Only water your lawn when it is needed
- Plant drought-resistant shrubs and grasses (Landscaping tips for drought affected area)
Efficient Irrigation Systems
You can make use of efficient irrigation systems to save water in your garden. Sprinkler systems and drip irrigation systems are two of the most efficient and economical watering systems.
>> Hand Watering
A portable sprinkler or a garden hose is the most common and simple irrigation system that can help you avoid over watering. You can control the flow of water by using a nozzle. Check if the water is no longer being absorbed by the soil, move to a different location. Wait for an hour, and then check if the soil is moist and water has reached to a depth of 6-10 inches.
>> Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler systems can be programmed to only run during certain parts of the day and for a specific amount of time. This eliminates over-watering. When sprinklers are set up on timers, you don’t have to worry about turning them on and off. Systems can be programmed to accommodate your lawn’s moisture needs during different times of the year.
>> Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation systems provide water directly to the roots of the plants. Because water goes directly into the soil, it isn’t allowed to remain on the surface long enough to evaporate. Drip irrigation prevents weeds from growing, helps to reduce plant disease and requires much less maintenance. With a drip irrigation system, you will save both time and money in the long run.
>> Sensors or Smart Controllers
You can use a sensor that can adjust the water flow according to the rainfall or soil moisture. They measure actual rainfall or soil moisture and subtract that amount of water from the next watering schedule. You can even go for an ET (evapotranspiration) controller that uses real-time satellite weather data to adjust watering volume.
>> Recapturing Rainwater
Harvesting rainwater is a simple and free irrigation method. You just need a plastic or wooden drum and place it underneath a downspout to collect the rain water. Attach a hose with the spigot at the bottom of the drum and water your plants or trees all summer. Avoid roofs made of old tar, gravel, asbestos and cedar for rainwater collection.
I didn’t know that sprinkler systems and drip irrigation systems are two of the most efficient and economical watering systems. My dad loves gardening but doesn’t have a lot of time to water the lawn. My uncle suggested trying sprinkler services and shared this article with him.
I didn’t realize that a drip irrigation system is one of the most economical and efficient watering systems out there. My yard has always struggled to maintain a green appearance. It is always dry and has the look of death about it, so perhaps I should look into getting irrigation for my lawn in order to save it.
You’ve got great information here about sprinkler systems. I love how you said that adding mulch is a good way to prevent moisture loss. If that’s the case, we need to lay down plenty so when we get a new sprinkler system, we can save water.