water wise NJLA MAG 402

TWENTY TIPS FOR A WATER WISE GARDEN

The economic, environmental and psychological benefits of plants — to say nothing of the time and money invested in landscapes — are reason enough to preserve them, even in times of drought.
Water Wise gardening, using principles suggested by the American Nursery and Landscape Association, has advantages of its own: stronger plants, less maintenance, lowered water bills and decreased demand on natural resources. Even in drought-free conditions, these principles make good gardening sense.

1. Group plants according to water requirements to avoid over- or under-watering.
2. Use plants that need less water. Plenty of attractive varieties meet this definition.
3. Install new plants when reliable rainfall is expected. In many regions, fall is the best time to plant.
4. Build basins around shrubs and trees to limit runoff.
5. Mulch to reduce moisture evaporation.
6. Fertilize properly — too much stimulates thirsty new growth.
7. Pruning keeps plants strong and less water dependent.
8. Prioritize watering. New plants need more frequent watering than established trees and shrubs.
9. Irrigate lawns only when needed. If grass springs back up after you walk on it, it doesn't need water. Or, let your lawn go dormant; most grasses rebound when rains return.
10. Mow higher and less often. Longer leaf surfaces encourage deeper roofing and shade roots. Mowing puts grass under additional stress that requires more water.
11. Water plants when the soil is dry, not before.
12. Use a spring-loaded hose spray or hose-end turn-off device.
13. Adjust sprinklers so water reaches lawns and gardens, not pavement.
14. Inspect sprinkler systems for leaks.
15. Time your watering. Water early to decrease evaporation. Avoid windy days for the same reason.
16. Water infrequently, deeply and thoroughly. This stops wasteful runoff and encourages deeper root development. Plants with deep roots develop greater tolerance to dry spells.
17. Install a drip irrigation system. You'll save up to 60 percent of the water used by sprinklers.
18. Move container plants to shady areas. Watering them over the root area of a tree puts excess water to good use.
19. Remove weeds. Weeds rob water and nutrients from valuable plants.
20. Watch the weather. Don't irrigate if rain is predicted. Skip at least one watering after a good rain. Cut back watering times and frequencies in cool and/or humid weather.