Garden Watering Tips

It’s never been more important to use greener garden watering methods on your lawn, flower beds and vegetable gardens.

These days we can no longer take our environmental resources for granted. Fortunately, there are green garden watering practices which not only save water, they actually do a better job of keeping your lawn and garden lush, green and healthy.

By following a few simple rules, you will have a greener garden and you will probably use less water in the process. If you live in an area with water metering, you'll probably save money too.

Practice Efficient Lawn and Garden Sprinkling

Water early in the morning when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation. Also, don't water on windy days. The wind will blow the spray away from the area you're targeting and result in less water being delivered and more evaporation.

Only water a lawn when needed. If you leave footprints when walking across the lawn, it's time to water. In general, an established lawn and garden needs a good soaking no more than twice a week. You know you are overwatering when you see water running off your lawn.

Another good idea is to position sprinklers so that they are watering lawns and gardens and not sidewalks and driveways.

Finally, install a rain gauge to keep track of how much rain or irrigation water a landscape receives. This way over time, you'll get a good feel for the wettest and driest times of the year and can plan accordingly.

Use a Rain Barrel

Rainwater collected from the roof of your house can be used to water the garden, or for washing exterior windows and the car.

By using the water collected in a rain barrel, you can help reduce demand on treated municipal water, and save yourself money on water bills in the process.

The other great advantage of rainwater is that it is free from chemicals like lime, calcium and chlorine. Clean water keeps your garden greener.

Rain barrels are very easy to set up. All you need to do is attach the barrel to the downpipe leading from the roof. You can buy your rain barrel already set up, or make one yourself using recycled food storage barrels.

Use Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is the best way to keep your garden lush and green without wasting a precious drop of water.

Water is delivered directly to the roots of plants through a specially designed hose which is full of tiny holes. Garden plants and lawns absorb watering much more efficiently this way, and you don’t lose water to evaporation or runoff.

It’s easy to set up a drip irrigation system in the garden yourself, if you have a little gardening know-how. You’ll need a drip irrigation hose, or hoses, a filter, a pressure regulator, a timer if you want to make the watering system automatic, and a backflow preventer to ensure dirty water doesn’t back up into your household drinking water.