Spring Garden Tips Water Conservation

Home and Garden - Gardening

By: belindayhughes 27-Mar-2012

Introduction:

After the drought of 2011, many gardeners are seeking ways to save water and keep their gardens, too. Here are some Spring garden tips on water conservation methods available for gardeners.

Soaker Hoses & Watering Blankets

Soaker hoses are the first step in water conservation in the garden. They use less water and use it more efficiently than spraying with a standard garden hose or sprinkler. Soaker hoses come in a variety of lengths, round and flat shapes, and are available at local retailers or through garden catalogs.

Watering blankets are made of the same fabric as some soaker hoses. They water, feed and mulch, all in one convenient step. Save even more water and have better access to it by adding pressure regulators, timers and two-way splitters at the spigot.

Mulch

Mulch is another easy water conservation method for gardeners to implement. When mulch is applied to the garden, it saves water by preventing evaporation. It keeps water in the soil, where it needs to be.

Rain Barrels & Solar Stills

Rain barrels, also known as a catchment system, are an old fashioned, low-tech water conservation method for gardeners. By connecting your drainspouts to rain barrels, you'll need less from your well or government supply lines. Rain barrels can also be connected to the downspout of a roof. Downspouts can also be directly routed to the garden.

Garden catalogs offer rain barrels in 75-gallon solid models, with multiple ports and a connector set, as well as 60-gallon collapsible models. For gardeners who like to save money, click the supporting link below for easy instructions on making your own rain barrel. Plan on connecting at least two barrels to manage overflow.

Solar stills, or solar water distillers, are not just for the proverbial lost guy in the desert. In a world going green, they're gaining steam globally as an inexpensive method of generating clean, safe water. Solar stills can be created on any scale needed, using easy to find materials, such as plastic sheeting, Plexiglas, plastic tubing and epoxy. Click on the supporting link below for plans, or search "solar water distillers."

Graywater

Graywater is leftover water from washing dishes, laundry and bodies. According to Graywatergardening.com, a family of 4 generates over 100 gallons per day, or 3,000 gallons per month of graywater. Graywater gardening can be as simple as a bucket under the kitchen sink and converting to detergents free of phosphates, or as complex as a complete garden irrigation system, installed with the help of a licensed plumber. Click on the supporting link below to learn more about this water conservation method for gardeners.

Edible Succulents

Another water conservation method for gardeners would be to allot a portion of the garden to edible succulents, which include cacti. Succulents are super survivors who can water themselves by extracting moisture from the air. Many succulents and their fruits are edible, such as the popular prickly pear cactus, also known as Indian fig and nopalitos. Nopalitos are found canned on the Mexican food aisles in major discount groceries. Click on the supporting link below for more information on edible succulents.

Final Thoughts

Soaker hoses, solar stills and succulents are but a few of the Spring garden tips on water conservation methods that gardeners can use. Many more are available with a quick search of the Internet. Remember to also search for plans to save money by doing it yourself.

Supporting Links

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Comments

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luanmmxii 5/19/2012
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Hi thanks for the tips!
We have been using gray water for many years, but I didn't know that it was called like that.
Very helpful!

My blog: housse sous vide
goodselfme 5/12/2012
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Another h5 and a congratulations for the front page spot!
clewand550 4/11/2012
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Thanks for sharing these great tips.
TigerStripes 3/28/2012
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Great tips for watering. I would love to do the rain barrel but mosquitoes are way too bad here.
goodselfme 3/28/2012
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I like your conservation list. Well done. h5
hummingbirdee 3/27/2012
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Excellent tips on conserving water in the garden.
ElaineChastain 3/27/2012
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My mom and dad have been using graywater from the kitchen and laundry room their whole lives and their garden always produces in abundance. My biggest problem is remembering to mulch BEFORE it's too late. Great list!