Becoming a Waterwise Gardener Has Its Benefits
Milwaukee, WI (PRWEB) July 10, 2014 -- No matter where you live, being a waterwise gardener makes environmental and economic sense. And it’s really easier than you think, says gardening expert and author Melinda Myers.
Myers shared these easy and affordable ways to conserve water, while still growing a beautiful garden this summer.
Grow plants suited to the climate, and this includes the average rainfall for the area a gardener lives. Select drought tolerant plants, that once established, require less on-going care. Consider native plants like coneflower, yucca and penstemon as well as native and non-invasive ornamental grasses.
Be sure to group moisture-loving plants together and near a source of water. Gardeners will save time and water by concentrating their efforts on fewer plants. Move containers to the shade or provide additional shade during hot dry weather to reduce the plant’s water needs.
Use organic nitrogen fertilizers like Milorganite (milorganite.com). This slow release fertilizer encourages slow steady growth that requires less water. Plus, it will not burn plants during hot dry weather. It simply stays in the soil until the growing conditions, moisture and temperature are right for the plants.
Install a rain barrel or two to capture rain for watering in-ground and container gardens. Or place a rain barrel near the garden and collect rain directly from the sky. Use this water to supplement the garden’s moisture needs during drought.
Decorate or mask the barrels with vines, decorative fencing, containers, or nearby plantings. Gardeners should check with their local municipality as several states and communities have banned rain harvesting on private property.
Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation to save water by applying the water directly to the soil where it is needed. Consider connecting the rain barrel to a soaker hose in a nearby garden. Just open the spigot and allow gravity to slowly empty the water throughout the day. Check to make sure water is evenly distributed throughout the garden.
And always water thoroughly and less frequently to encourage deep drought tolerant roots. Add a layer of organic mulch like shredded leaves, evergreen needles or herbicide-free grass clippings to conserve moisture and keep roots cool. As these break down they add organic matter to the soil, improving the water-holding ability of sandy and rocky soils.
Allow lawns to go dormant during droughts. Apply ¼ inch of water every three to four weeks during extended droughts. This keeps the crown of the plant alive while the grass remains dormant. Do not apply weed killers and minimize foot and equipment traffic on dormant lawns.
Incorporate one or more of these techniques to conserve water, while creating healthier and more attractive gardens this season and for years to come.
Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ web site, http://www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.
Diana Paul, Melinda Myers LLC, +1 (414) 771-1888, [email protected]
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