Gardens require care, attention, and lots of water but there are so many ways you can use different techniques to conserve water while keeping your garden healthy. Let’s have a  look at some of the changes you can make to save on your water bill while you maintain your garden.

1. Use a well-placed irrigation system 

An irrigation system that has been placed efficiently is a great way to water your plants without worrying. They are easily adjustable so you are able to water above your plants or at the roots. There are so many different irrigation system options that will work for any sized garden and an irrigation system expert will be able to help you find one that works for you and your budget. Residential irrigation systems let you control so much about where the water is going, how often it’s being sprayed and how much it’s spraying so you are able to control the water output and save a bit on your water bills. 

2. Use an adjustable sprinkler 

If you need a different approach to watering and a soaker hose isn’t going to work well, get a sprinkler system that has as many different configurations as possible. This will allow you to water the area that needs to be watered by setting the direction and spray amount, instead of letting it water a large area that isn’t needed. Hardware stores and garden centers are great places to find adjustable sprinklers.

3. Set a timer

If you find that a sprinkler or irrigation system is the best option for your garden but you still want to try and do your best to conserve some water then make sure you set it on a timer. A timer is great for anyone who’s a little forgetful about watering their plants too much or too little and it’s one of the best ways to control your sprinkler system plus they can be found at many hardware stores or garden centers.

There are even timers available that connect to your phone using Bluetooth or wifi so you can turn them off if you notice rain coming in while you’re at work or turn them on when you’re on vacation in Florida. 

4. Collect nature's bounty in a rain barrel

Rain is nature’s way of giving you a day off of watering your plants so let it help you even more by collecting the naturally occurring shower into a rain barrel. Rain barrels are large plastic barrels that can sometimes come outfitted with a hose that allows you to use the collected rainwater to water your plants. They are usually around 60 gallons and you can even buy attachments to fit them under your downspout and collect water from your gutters too. 

If you have an area with heavy rain or a larger garden, you can switch over to a cistern. This is a larger version of a rain collection system and it will connect right from your roof to collect as much as possible. They are sometimes outfitted with pumps so you can speed the water flow out of the tanks and spray your garden easily. Both of these options are available at most hardware or home improvement stores.

5. Water without the hose by using a clay pot

Clay pots have been used for over 4000 years to water plants successfully and they also happen to look really fun and unique in your garden. These vessels are known as “ollas” and they are built in a shape similar to a gourd. The bottom is buried under the dirt and the top is left above and filled with water every few days. 

A cap prevents any sort of contamination or mosquito breeding and the clay seeps the water into the soil through the natural suction from the plants which means the plants get watered when they need it. These pots can be found at garden centers or online.

6. Add some mulch

Mulch is not only decorative and it’s a great way to conserve the water you’re putting on and prevent water from being lost to evaporation. Mulch can come in a variety of styles, colours and materials but all of it is great for keeping the water you’re giving your plants in the right place. 

Some mulch is designed to absorb water and then release it slowly which is great for anyone who’s looking to water only a few days a week. A 2 to 3-inch deep layer is perfect for keeping the moisture in and the sun rays out. You can find mulch at almost any hardware store and garden center.

7. Water your garden based on the time of day

Studies have shown that some plants do best when they’re watered at the best time of day for their needs. For anything that’s planted in the ground, water in the mornings so they don’t end up drying out throughout the day. For plants in containers, water at night so the water has a chance to get into the roots. This will save you from overwatering plants unnecessarily and keep your plants healthy too.

8. Cut down on what needs water

A luscious-looking lawn is a homeowner’s dream but it can require tons of water to make sure it stays healthy. Think about reducing the space your lawn takes up by installing a low deck or even a rock garden to take up some of the space that usually requires watering. 

There are also some newer grass seed mixtures that are designed for anyone who doesn’t want to water their lawn all the time. Look for an Eco-Lawn Seed that will withstand more than the average grass. These are found at many garden centers or online but try and look for one that’s suited to your climate for the best results. 

9. Choose native plants

Plants that are best suited to your climate and area are the ones that are going to thrive the most. If you don’t have to worry about watering them, they will save you money in the long run. Planting flowers or bushes that will naturally thrive on the regular rainfall in your area is a great idea if you want something beautiful looking without worrying about maintaining it. 

10. Arrange your plants by their needs

If you are planting a new garden or bringing in a new plant. It will do best if it’s placed in a spot where it will be watered properly. Placing a ton of succulents in your garden might look cute but if those flowers require daily watering then it might be too much for the succulents to handle. Look into the pants you have and their needs before you place them to avoid over or under watering.

There are so many ways you can keep your garden in the best shape while keeping your water usage to a minimum. It only takes a few small changes to make a big impact. Try one or all of these tips and you’ll have a beautiful looking garden without worrying about what your water bill is going to look like.

cover image © pexels