Gardening is an immensely refreshing recreational activity for many. But those fond of gardening are also familiar with the amount of water used up by it. Water shortage is a major environmental and social concern in the modern world that must be addressed in individual capacity as well. While gardening, you can do your bit by following some simple steps that go a long way in reducing water usage. In this article, we will explore some steps to save water while gardening.
See also: Rain water harvesting: Importance, techniques, pros and cons
Mulching
For the uninitiated, mulching is an essential process in gardening that involves spreading a layer of organic or inorganic material on the surface of the soil surrounding plants. Organic mulches create a protective barrier that reduces evaporation from soil by restricting the exposure to direct sunlight. Alongside retaining moisture, this also suppresses weed growth and regulates soil temperature, resulting in a more water-efficient garden. You can easily use straw, bark or compost as organic manure.
Drip irrigation
In drip irrigation, the water is directly delivered to the base of each plant using a network of tubes or hoses. By adopting this targeted approach, you can minimise water wastage to avoid excessive splashing or evaporation caused by overhead irrigation methods. This method also allows you to control the exact amount of water each plant receives with greater efficiency and precision.
Collect rainwater
If you do not have a proper rainwater harvesting system in place, you can install rain barrels under downspouts to collect rainwater from your roof. This rainwater harvested in large containers can be easily used for watering your garden. Using natural rainwater for gardening can also help reduce dependence on municipal water supply, thereby conserving precious resources and saving money on utility bills.
Choose drought-tolerant plants
Drought-tolerant plants are characterised by their ability to withstand arid conditions and require less water than water-dependent species. Succulents, native plants and grasses are good examples of such plants. Choosing these plants for your garden can help create a landscape that is at the same time resilient and water-efficient.
Watering early or late
The best time to water your plants is either early in the morning or late in the evening. This helps you to tap the full potential of cooler temperatures and lower wind speeds than what might be the condition during daylight hours. This can also help reduce water loss through evaporation and increase the soil’s capacity to absorb and retain moisture. Moreover, the risk of fungal diseases is minimised as foliage gets ample time to dry before nightfall.
Soil amendments
Amending soil involves improving its structure and water retention capacity by adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This allows water to penetrate the soil more easily, reduces runoff and ensures a healthier root system for plants. All these factors come together to decrease the frequency of irrigation required.
Group plants with similar water needs
Optimise irrigation efficiency by grouping together plants with similar water requirements. Creating distinct watering zones based on the specific needs of the plant can help you tailor your irrigation practices to meet specific needs of each group. This practice facilitates greater precision by providing the appropriate amount of water to each plant and also reduces wastage of water.
Install a soil moisture sensor
You can install devices that measure the moisture content of the soil and provide real-time data. This, in turn, helps overwatering or underwatering of plants. Utilise this technology for more accurate irrigation scheduling, ensuring that plants receive water only when necessary.
Adjustable sprinklersÂ
To meet the specific needs of your garden, you can incorporate adjustable sprinklers that allow customisation of watering pattern and range. Minimise water wastage by directing water only where required, avoiding unnecessary areas like sidewalks or driveways. To maintain optimal efficiency, it is necessary to periodically check and adjust the sprinklers.
Regular maintenance and inspection
Periodic inspections of the irrigation system, hoses and watering tools is necessary to identify and fix leaks promptly. If left unnoticed for very long, leaks can lead to water wastage. Timely maintenance ensures the efficient operation of watering equipment. It also allows the adjustment of watering schedules according to the seasonal changes in plant growth.
FAQs
Why is mulching important for water-saving in gardening?
Mulching acts as a protective barrier on the soil surface and helps it to retain moisture, thereby promoting water efficiency and reducing the need of frequent watering.
How does drip irrigation help save water?
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant roots and minimises wastage through evaporation and runoff.
Does rainwater collection help save water while gardening?
Utilising collected rainwater for gardening can reduce the reliance on municipal supplies and demand on treated water resources.
How do drought-tolerant plants save water?
Drought-tolerant plants are adapted to thrive in arid conditions and require less irrigation, thereby helping conserve water.
When is the best time to water plants for maximum conservation?
The ideal time to water plants is either early in the morning or late in the evening as this minimises water loss through evaporation.
How does soil amendment contribute to water conservation in gardening?
Soil amendment enhances the water retention capacity of the soil and ensures better penetration and reduces runoff.
Why is it important to group plants for efficient watering?
Grouping plants encourages targeted irrigation practices and its precision minimises water wastage by ensuring appropriate amounts of irrigation.
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