Things You'll Need:
- Garden Tools
- Drip Sprinkler Kit
- Soil Conditioners
- Mulch
- Drought-Tolerant Plants
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Step 1
Planning and Design
Before buying anything, draw a plan of your yard. Ask yourself how much time and money you want to spend developing and maintaining your landscape. An early part of your plan should consider slope and grade changes. Proper grading will save water and direct drainage away from building foundations. Terracing and retaining walls can be effective in correcting steep slopes, thus allowing for maximum water penetration. When planning what plants to place where – group together plants with the same water needs. Also take into consideration soil conditions and location in relationship to the sun. South-facing areas will be hotter and dryer than north-facing or shaded areas. -
Step 2
Limited Turf Areas
When reducing water requirements of a landscape, it is important to note that lawn grasses require more frequent watering and maintenance than most other landscape plants. Reduce the size of water-thirsty lawns by using patios and decks, shrub beds and groundcovers. Limited lawn areas should serve a purpose such as a play area or erosion control. -
Step 3
Efficient Irrigation
All plants, no matter how drought-tolerant,need some water. By grouping plants according to their water needs and installing efficient sprinkler, drip and bubbler systems with automatic timers, you can save time, water and money. -
Step 4
Soil Improvements
Preparing the soil before you plant is essential to the success of your garden. If your soil drains too fast (too much sand), too slow (too much clay), is too acidic or too alkaline, you can correct these problems by amending the soil. A lack of organic material means that water does not soak in well nor does it hold the moisture that does soak in. Soil should be conditioned eight to 12 inches deep for groundcover and at least 18 inches deep for shrubs. -
Step 5
Mulching
Mulching decreases the amount of water plants need by keeping the soil underneath cool on hot days and by reducing evaporation. In the winter, a layer of mulch can protect plant roots and stems during a severe freeze. In the summer, mulching can help keep weeds in check. Mulch also helps soil remain easy to cultivate, limits erosion and reduces runoff. For best results apply a two to six inch layer of mulch. -
Step 6
Use Low-Water Demanding Plants
By selecting plants that are considered drought-tolerant, you can stop fighting Mother Nature and have a low-water use garden. Plants native to your environment are perfectly suited to where you live. Once native plants are established they do very well and provide a natural, low maintenance garden. -
Step 7
Appropriate Maintenance
Establish a regular schedule for pruning, weeding and proper fertilization. Watering in the early morning and late evening is always most efficient. Regularly inspect sprinkler and drip systems and repair leaks immediately. Small leaks can be highly wasteful.
