Water is a precious commodity. Whether we live in a place with abundant water, we have to conserve water. Electrical power normally runs the pumps and motors that distribute the water to the gardens. By conserving water, we too save on electricity.
As a gardener, we must make it a habit to conserve water. Our objective is to show some of the simple elements that we can practice to conserve water for our gardens. We too must always consider that plants need water to grow. In order to have a good yield in the garden, we must make sure that the plants will have sufficient water to process the nutrients for its growth.
One of the important habits that must be practiced by the home and garden owners is timing when to water. The purpose of watering the garden is to make sure the earth is moist. Plants take most of the water from the soil as a source for nutrients. When watering your garden in a hot condition, most of the water evaporates. When the garden is watered in the morning, the water is retained by the soil and slowly absorbed by the plants. Scheduled morning watering will enable the soil to absorb the water deeper and this will help the roots grow deeper into the soil.
The type of soil in your garden or lawn must also be considered. Clayish soil would normally absorb the water in the upper level and then the water will drain out, away from the roots. With proper watering timing interval, the water will be able to go deeper.
Investing in a drip irrigation system will allow you to conserve a lot of water. These will allow you to control the water intake of the plant and water is directed specifically to the root. It will be able save time and effort in watering the plant. The drip irrigation is ideal to water the young trees and shrubs. Drippers need not be expensive. There are a number of simple and practical water drippers that be made at home. An empty soda bottle can be used as a dripper as long as the water drips are controlled.
Applying organic mulch to the top layer of the soil will enable the soil to keep a cooler temperature. This will prevent the water from evaporating fast and consistent soil moisture can be attained. Mulching will also prevent soil erosion.
Frequent and timely cultivation of the top soil of the plant will enable the water to immediately penetrate the roots. Consistent weeding will enable your plant absorb more of the soil moisture as the water competitions are removed. A good soil drain on the fruit trees and shrubs will allow water to be collected on top of the roots. This will also prevent the precious soil nutrients from eroding.
Drought resistant plants can also be considered to be planted in the gardens. These plants have adapted to minimal watering.
Saving rain water to be used in the garden is also a good practice. Collected water from the drain spout or gutters are stored in containers and then used to water the plants.