Preparing Soil So It Will Require Less Water

When water wasn’t a problem, spring meant revitalizing the yard with masses of color. We didn’t pay much attention to whether the yard really needed water, we just watered.

Today we can still have that color, but we need to give thought as how to prepare the soil to use our water to its fullest value. As often said in the past, mulching is the easiest and simplest way to enrich the soil as well as to hold moisture for the longest time.

Growers have found using polymer, sponge rock and vermiculite give the greatest advantage to plants with the least amount of water needed.

By adding these soil additives, per direction (overdoing it can create water-logged plants), and placing plants with similar watering requirements together, you can have a great deal of leeway in providing color.

Using a drip system or a hose that seeps water through its pores will allow water to reach the roots without any evaporation or water areas that don’t need water. Think of how that will annoy the weeds! Placing mulch over the hose or drip unit will be even better, though you might need to check the emitter from time to time on the drip system.

Visit your local professionals and discuss with them the color or look you would like. They will be able to show you the plants that can do well with small amounts of water when applied properly.

Perhaps a water audit that they can provide will assure you that you are giving proper care to your plants. Using gray water from the washer or bath will certainly save water. You can also water many moveable container plants from a bucket or water by dunking them one after another. For more hints, check with your garden center.