Lug that Hose, Tote That Can -- or Try Xeriscaping
Last summer I changed from hose-hauling to drip irrigation. We have a relatively inexpensive system, with hoses that slowly leak water to the roots of the plants that need it. This avoids watering areas where nothing is planted, and uses a lot less water than the traditional sprinklers do. Drip irrigation can cut your water use by as much as 30 to 80 percent! And as a bonus, you'll no longer have to drag that hose around!
You can also cut down on the frequency with which you need to use even the soaker hoses by mulching your beds. A thick blanket of mulch helps to hold the moisture in. It does a great job of keeping weeding chores down, too -- another way to save your energy!
If you follow these practices, you are, whether you know it or not, Xeriscaping.
Xeriscaping is not, as it may sound, the science of desert gardening, or even of gardening without water. It's simply a method of water and energy conservation. Although the principles are essential in low-water areas, they make sense everywhere that people garden.
The first step for anyone who wants to Xeriscape in earnest is to have your soil tested. I know -- you've heard that before, and your plants are growing fine without it. But soil can be improved to increase its water-holding ability, which your plants will appreciate even more than you do. Add manure and organic matter. Add the organic matter from your own compost heap to save money and avoid being a drain on the nation's landfills. Make everyone happy. Return nature's bounty to the earth.
For further guidance, check out the Drought Tolerant Landscape Demonstration Garden.
If you are thinking of setting up an irrigation system, be sure to consult Jess Stryker's Landscape Irrigation Scheduling Tutorial Niche Gardens offers a good list of drought tolerant plants for you to try.
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