Water Restrictions Will Continue to Play a Growing Role in Gardening
In the arid West and other drought-prone areas, water conservation is becoming an essential practice for gardeners. However, water restrictions don’t mean you have to give up growing your favorite vegetables or perennials. With thoughtful planning and smart techniques, you can maintain a thriving, water-wise garden even in the toughest conditions.
In our video, Gardening in a Drought, Tricia explores practical ways to reduce water usage in your garden. Below, we expand on her advice and provide 10 actionable tips for conserving water while keeping your garden healthy and productive.
1. Add More Organic Matter to the Soil
One of the simplest and most effective ways to conserve water is by increasing the organic matter in your soil.
How It Works
- Organic matter, like compost, improves the soil’s structure, enabling it to retain more moisture.
- Studies show that increasing soil organic matter by just 5% can quadruple its water-holding capacity.
How to Do It
- Add compost from your pile or purchase bagged compost to mix into your garden beds.
- Plant a fall cover crop such as clover or vetch. When it blooms, cut it down and let it decompose in place, adding “green manure” to your soil.
2. Use Mulches to Reduce Evaporation
Mulching is a key practice for reducing water loss and keeping the soil cool.
Benefits of Mulching
- Reduces evaporation by up to 50%.
- Helps regulate soil temperature.
- Suppresses weeds, which compete for water.
Best Mulch Materials
- Straw: Great for vegetable gardens; as it decomposes, it adds organic matter to the soil.
- Newspapers: Lay down 2–4 layers of newsprint around plants and secure it with straw or ground staples.
- Wood chips: Ideal for perennial beds and pathways.
3. Use Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff.
Tips for Drip Irrigation
- Install drip lines under mulch to maximize efficiency.
- Choose emitters that match the water needs of your plants.
- Use a timer to automate watering, especially during cooler parts of the day (see Tip 10).
4. Adjust Watering to Match Plant Needs
Not all plants require the same amount of water at every stage of growth.
Critical Watering Periods
- Young plants need consistent moisture to develop strong root systems.
- Flowering and fruiting stages demand more water for optimal production.
Tip: Refer to resources like Colorado State University’s guide, Home Vegetable Garden Management in a Dry Climate, for vegetable-specific watering schedules.
5. Choose Drought-Tolerant Vegetables
If you garden in a drought-prone area, consider planting crops that require less water.
Low-Water Crops
- Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are relatively drought-tolerant.
- Reduce planting heavy water users like corn or beans, or limit their quantities.
Tip: Mulch heavily around these plants to minimize water loss.
6. Change Your Planting Style
Traditional rows of vegetables can waste water, but planting in blocks can conserve moisture.
Benefits of Block Planting
- Leaves create shade that reduces soil evaporation.
- Watering is more concentrated, reducing waste.
7. Group Plants by Water Needs
Grouping plants with similar water requirements ensures efficient irrigation and prevents overwatering.
Root Depth Considerations
- Deep-rooted plants like tomatoes need infrequent but deep watering.
- Shallow-rooted crops like lettuce benefit from more frequent, light watering.
Tip: Use a root depth chart to determine how much water each plant needs.
8. Adjust Watering for Soil Type
Understanding your soil type helps you tailor your watering practices.
Soil Types and Watering Tips
- Clay soil: Retains water but absorbs it slowly. Use low-flow emitters and water less often but for longer durations.
- Sandy soil: Drains quickly and requires more frequent watering.
- Loam: Balanced soil that holds moisture well; water moderately.
9. Keep Your Garden Weed-Free
Weeds compete with your vegetables and flowers for water, making them an unnecessary drain on resources.
Tips for Weed Management
- Hand-pull weeds regularly or use a hoe to remove them before they establish deep roots.
- Mulch heavily to suppress weed growth.
10. Water During Cooler Times of the Day
Watering at the right time significantly reduces evaporation and ensures more water reaches your plants’ roots.
Optimal Times
- Water between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. to maximize absorption and minimize evaporation.
- Use a timer on your irrigation system for consistent watering during these hours.
The Bigger Picture: Why Water-Wise Gardening Matters
With water becoming an increasingly scarce resource in many regions, every drop counts. By adopting water-saving practices, gardeners can:
- Contribute to conservation efforts.
- Save money on water bills.
- Create resilient gardens that thrive even during droughts.
Additional Tips for Water Conservation
- Install Rain Barrels: Capture and store rainwater to use for irrigation during dry periods.
- Choose Native Plants: Native perennials are adapted to local climates and often require less water.
- Aerate Your Soil: Aeration improves water penetration and reduces runoff.
Final Thoughts
Water restrictions don’t have to spell the end of your garden dreams. By implementing simple water-wise practices like mulching, using drip irrigation, and planting drought-tolerant crops, you can maintain a lush, productive garden while conserving precious resources.
It’s not about doing without—it’s about doing smarter. Start incorporating these tips into your gardening routine and enjoy the benefits of a sustainable, water-efficient garden.
