Things You'll Need:
- Compost or organic fertilizer
- Water retaining polymers
- Xeriscape plants
- Mulch, preferably hardwood, pine bark, cedar or cypress
- Water
- Boulders and colorful river rock
-
Step 1
Choose Xeriscape plants that appeal to you. Native shrubs are a good choice because they attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Check a local nursery, garden center or the Internet for some Xeriscape plant ideas.
-
Step 2
Prepare the soil by adding products that retain moisture like expanded shale, compost and special polymers. Organic fertilizers, greensand and lavasand should be added to the soil as well.
-
Step 3
Roto-till these products into the existing soil.
-
Step 4
Install your Xeriscape plants according to a landscape design.
-
Step 5
Cover the soil with approximately 2 inches of mulch. Use a mulch made of hardwood, pine bark, cedar or cypress as these retain moisture quit well.
-
Step 6
Water for about 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours after installation is complete. Repeat the next day as well. Wait a few days and then begin watering once or twice a week in the early morning or nighttime hours. Use soaker hoses whenever possible.
-
Step 7
Spray your Xeriscape with a compost tea or similar mixture about 2 to 3 times a month. Choose a variety of compost tea that contains molasses for best results.
-
Step 8
Install trees to provide shade and boulders and colorful river rock to enhance the beauty of your Xeriscape.
