Things You'll Need:
- Drip hose system
- Rain barrel
- Rinsing pail
- Bucket of oiled sand
- Water timer
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Step 1
Install a soaker hose or drip watering system that will water the plants at ground level. This way, very little is lost to evaporation and the plants are able to benefit from the water immediately as it soaks directly to the root areas.
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Step 2
Attach a water timer to your watering system so that you don't have to worry about underwatering or overwatering your plants.
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Step 3
Water the plants early in the morning or in the early evening so that water is not lost to the midday heat.
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Step 4
Install a rain barrel to catch rainwater and attach a faucet or a distribution network of hoses to water the garden.
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Step 5
Design the garden with drought-resistant plants to minimize watering. Consider replacing some areas of the lawn with native trees that don't need special attention.
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Step 6
Add mulch--it helps cool the soil and minimize evaporation.
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Step 7
Place a rinsing pail under an outside faucet and use it to rinse soil and mud off your gloves, hands and garden accessories. Use the rinse water to water plants.
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Step 8
Use a bucket of sand mixed with vegetable oil to scrub caked dirt off garden tools and keep them rust-free. Let the tool dry off, tap it to shake off chunks of dirt, thrust it into the sand a few times and it's ready for the next gardening session. No need to use water at all.
Comments
Tippy said
on 6/7/2008 Great ideas. Thanks.
gpcs said
on 5/28/2008 Ruby-
You're spot on with the rain barrel idea. We started using 'em this year and have more than enough for watering the lawn, garden and even replenishing the fish pond.
-George