Climate Friendly Gardening – How to Save Water

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Saving water is important to the climate-friendly gardener – whether there is a drought or not. You can conserve water and keep growing in your garden if you use the following tips for watering your garden the climate-friendly way.

Why is watering the garden an issue?

According to research by the University of California, an average American household wastes 80-100 gallons water a day. The majority of this waste is due not just to leaving taps running and fixing leaks but also from using it ineffectively–for example, waiting for hot water instead of turning on cold or letting your lawn grow too long before mowing

The amount of freshwater resources available has decreased over time because we are consuming them faster than they can be replenished. This causes concern about how much longer our current sources will last when put under more pressure as populations continue to increase worldwide.

Watering gardens isn’t a waste of water but it can be a huge drain and isn’t always done wisely and in a climate friendly way.  From watering new grass seed to keeping the bedding plants perky, gardens do need water. However, being eco-friendly doesn’t mean you have a dead, lifeless garden due to a no-watering rule!  There’s clever ways to do have both.

Start with the Right Soil

Pretty much all gardening successes start with using the right soil. You need to build up your soil by testing it and adding to it the nutrients that you need. You’ll want to use a lot of rich compost that you can make yourself. 

You also need to add mulch and cover your garden between growing seasons to help reduce evaporation and keep down weeds that also compete for water in your garden. Spend the time necessary to improve your soil before you even start planting. 

Plant Strategically to Fight the Heat

You can plant your garden in such a way that you can create microclimates. For example, the right plants planted together can create shade for the soil and reduce water evaporation. Put plants together that need similar amounts of water and that produce abundantly, avoiding water hogs like broccoli and cauliflower. 

In addition, if you have a particularly hot and sunny area, you can plant trees and shrubs strategically to provide shade and wind blockage, also reducing the need for watering.

Water When Plants Need Water

Time planting when it’s not hot and sunny so that your plants can establish a root system prior to the hot and sunny time. When the roots are deeper into the soil, they’re stronger and can fight against drought easier. Plus, it helps to know what stage your plants are in because their water requirements depend on the time it is. 

Many gardeners overwater a lot of their crops with gallons of water due to not understanding this. Many vegetables require watering only when they’re flowering or fruiting. 

Water Pots in the Afternoon and your Garden in the Morning

For container gardening, the compost itself plays a part.  Pine bark based potting mixes are a popular choice for many home gardeners, but according to research done by the University of Florida’s Agricultural Research and Education Center, they have low moisture retention properties. This means plants grown in these types of soil dry out more quickly than those planted with other options such as coco coir or sand-based soils that retain water better.

It seems as though watering plants in pots after noon versus on a morning has a positive effect on their health and growth, so try giving them an afternoon drink!

If you’re looking for a constant source of water for the rest of the garden, morning time is the best. Early mornings are not only cooler but also when there’s less wind and evaporation which can cause problems in dry climates where plants need more frequent watering needs.

When you water your plants, make sure not to do it at night. Night-time temperatures are often inadequate for the moisture on leaves and this can lead to fungal diseases in plants. If a plant starts showing symptoms of drought stress, don’t wait too long before watering them – even if that means during midday hours when some people would think they’re unnecessary!

Choose Drought-Tolerant Vegetables and Plants 

If you are in an area where there’s often a strain on the water supply, consider looking at drought tolerant plants.  Certain native plants use less water than others and will grow better with less water. Or picking plants that live in areas with less natural rainwater also works.

Look at swiss chard, asparagus, artichoke, chickpeas, lima beans, certain varieties of squash, cantaloupe, peppers, cucumber, sage, oregano, thyme, lavender, rosemary, pineapple tomatoes, and some chilies. 

Harvest Water – Ways to Save and Reuse Water

One way to have a green and sustainable garden all year round, is by installing rainwater tanks. Slimline water harvesting systems are available for even the tightest of spaces- so install one right away.

Save your cooking water. If you steam or boil vegetables, save the water rather than tipping it down the sink! It is full of nutrients and when cooled, makes a free fertiliser for watering your plants.  Save cool boiled vegetable cooking water to feed your garden with valuable leeched nutrients that would otherwise go into the drainpipe.

Did you know that when you clean your fish tank, the old nitrogen and phosphorous-rich water can be used to give an additional boost of nutrients to plants? This is a great way for those who have pets or gardens.

Using a compost system is an easy way to save water while maintaining healthy soil for your plants. Whether you make or buy a worm farm, the benefits of adding these worms are increased fertility and moisture retention in soils– leading to healthier gardens.  It also helps with water retention, meaning less fresh water is needed to keep the plants healthy.

Even catching water from the shower can help if you avoid the soap and shower gel, although not so much from spots like the washing machine as this will have detergents and cleaning products in it.

Install a Deep Root Drip Irrigation System

One of the best ways to conserve water is to use a deep root drip irrigation system in your garden. This will encourage roots to develop deep into the soil instead of higher up, which can happen from watering from above. Use the irrigation system to measure and give the plants only the amount of water required to make up for lack of rain. 

Boost your climate friendly watering credentials 

Watering your garden the climate-friendly way is a win-win for the gardener and the environment because by setting up your garden correctly from the beginning you cut down on the amount of work you need to do making gardening that much more pleasurable and bountiful.