Water Conservation and Water Saving Devices For the Garden

In order to save water, consider mulching your garden. Mulching will minimize water evaporation and runoff, and keep weeds under control. A block style layout can be beneficial as it creates microclimates that conserve water. You can also use wetting agents to solve runoff problems. Water your vegetables in smaller increments once a day, and then add one to two inches the next. After your plants get used to the watering schedule, you can add fertilizer to each row.

The optimal time to water a garden is early in the morning before temperatures rise. This lowers evaporation and provides a steady supply of water for your plants. Avoid watering your plants in the evening because you run the risk of encouraging fungal pathogens. In addition, water your plants if they show signs of thirst or are showing other symptoms of dehydration. If you do not plan to water your garden during the evening, avoid standing water and use drip irrigation.

Soaker hoses are an easy and effective way to water your garden. Soaker hoses contain a porous material that collects water and releases it slowly, which is easily absorbed by the plants. You can lay a soaker hose throughout your garden, looping it around your plants. Mulch around the hose makes it invisible, and prevents water loss. You can also use a watering can with a spray attachment or a soaker hose for bigger gardens.

To reduce your water consumption, you should know when vegetables need water. Plant them before summer, so they can establish a root system. Then you can water them only as needed, thus reducing water consumption by as much as 50%. Another great method is drip irrigation, which deploys water where it is needed. By knowing when to water vegetables, you can cut back on watering significantly. You can also reduce the amount of time between waterings by knowing when to stop.