Lawn & Garden Water Conservation
Did you know that a single lawn sprinkler spraying 19L per minute uses more water in just one hour than a combination of 10 toilet flushes, 2 five-minute showers, 2 dishwasher loads and a full load of laundry?
An average suburban lawn needs approximately 100 000 litres of water each growing season. , but there are many things that we can do to reduce the amount of water we use on our lawns and in our gardens.
Here are some tips on what you can do:
- Water your lawn in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
- Use a rain barrel to collect rain for garden watering.
- Set lawnmower blades one notch higher - long grass equals less evaporation. 6cm is optimal.
- Wash your car with a pail of water instead of a hose; you can save up to 200L of water!
- Choose interlocking bricks for your driveway over asphalt or cement, as they allow water back into the ground to recharge groundwater.
- If you do use a sprinkler to water your lawn, choose the type that spins in a circle, rather than the sweeping semi-circular option; you will lose less water to evaporation.
- Putting compost in plant beds helps reduce the necessity for watering.
And, why not try xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping refers to landscaping that promotes water conservation. It stems from the terms "xeri", meaning dry, and "landscape".
There are seven basic principles of xeriscaping:
1. Planning and Design
Water conservation is a fundamental element of xeriscaping. Maximizing the use of natural precipitation and reducing manual watering is key.
In the planning stages, look for local drought-resistant plant options. Also, consider the following:
- For most efficient water use, group plants with similar watering needs together.
- Study natural contours and drainage patterns
- Consider planned use of each area; e.g. seating, walkways play, etc.
- Turf (grass) areas should be designed for ease of mowing
- Large plants can be planted as to providing natural heating and cooling for adjacent buildings.
2. Soil Improvement
Soil for xeriscaping should do two things at once: drain quickly and store water. To do this, increase the amount of organic matter in the soil and keep it well aerated. Using compost is a great way to achieve this.
3. Create Limited Turf Areas
Limit turf areas as much as possible, while still maintaining some for open space and appeal. Choose water-saving species that are adapted to your local area when planting a new lawn, or reseeding.
4. Use Appropriate Plants
Select plants that are native to your area.
- Choose drought-resistant varieties, whose leaves are normally small, thick, glossy, silver-grey or fuzzy.
- Select plants for their ultimate size, which reduces pruning maintenance.
- Don't mix plants with high- and low-watering needs in the same area.
- Planting trees help to reduce evaporation by blocking wind and shading soil.
5. Mulch
Mulch, such as leaves, compost, pine needles, wood chips or barks helps to retain soil moisture and temperature and prevents erosion. Organic mulch is most effective, and should be several inches thick so there are no bare patches of soil.
6. Irrigate
Avoid overwatering. To reduce moisture loss from evaporation, use soaker hoses or drip-irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the base of plants. Water is also delivered at as slow rate which improves absorption.
7. Maintain your landscape
One of the greatest benefits of xeriscaping is being low-maintenance. Here are some tips:
- Keep the weeds from growing through the mulch - thicken the layer of mulch.
- Don't cut the turf too short - tall grass naturally shades the roots and helps retain moisture.
- Avoid overfertilizing.
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