Reduce Water use in the garden

I live in a desert and water is precious. Yet I take it for granted. It is always available when I turn on the faucet. But I am also very aware of how much I use, especially outside in the yard. Today I used water from my rain barrels to water the plants in the back yard. As I poured the rain water on them, I just knew it was better for the plants then the tap water that came out of the hose. I did have to turn on the sprinklers for the front yard garden to water the edible garden and the new fruit trees, so I am still dependent on the water I take for granted. But I try to use less – and that is what is important.rnOne place many of us can reduce water use is the lawn – learn how to water and care for your lawn properly and you will use less water. rnHere are a few tips: 1. Water deeply. The water needs to get down to the roots so that may mean you need to water for longer time! Water should go down at least a foot! 2. Sprinklers spray water and often hits sidewalks and driveways and runs off, so check them and adjust them so you keep al the water on your lawnrn 3. Heavy thatch can prevent water from getting to the roots. Plan to de-thatch this year if you haven’t done so in the past 3 years. 4. Adding chemicals to the lawn for weeds and pests can poison the water system when the water runs off. They also seep into the water table. Try using a mulching mower and leaving the clippings in the lawn – free natural fertilizer! 5. Consider replacing some of your lawn with gardens or patios for entertaining, especially in those areas where you have trouble growing healthy grass! Check out my blog on how I removed my front lawn and what it looks like now! rnHappy Digging,rnDoreen Pollackrn rnwww.Down2EarthGardens.com -Garden Consultations and water-wise gardening www.shaklee.net/gardengoddess -eco-green solutions for your home & body www.down2earthgardens.blogspot.com –Rambling in the Garden – tips on removing a lawn