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| GO GREEN AND SAVE WATER – Part 2 of 2 = = = = = = = = = = = = = Dear Casual Gardener, My utility bills keep going up higher and higher and I want to find a way to save money. What is a way I can save water in the garden? Thanks for your help, Trying to Save Cents = = = = = = = = = = = = = Dear Save, Last week I detailed WHY we need to conserve water now more than ever! This week’s column discusses ways you can actually implement a water conservation plan for your property. Saving water inside is quite simple; turn off the water when you are not using it. When you brush your teeth in the morning, do not let the water run. Install water-saving toilets and shower heads in your home. Wash clothes utilizing the appropriate control markings on the machine so you do not use too much water per load. Recently, I participated in a water savings symposium where Debra Shore, the Commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago was the key speaker. She told the gathered crowd that she was able to save nearly 25 gallons of water per week by simply putting a bucket under her shower every morning while she waited for the shower water to heat up. She utilized the water for indoor and outdoor plants. To save even more money and water, focus on how you can save outdoors. Drought tolerant gardening is the number one choice for saving water in the garden. Having plants which do not require excessive water means you do not have to water as much, therefore saving lots of money, time, and water. Xeriscaping is one of the many planting techniques which address drought tolerant planting. Taking advantage of these planting techniques will help you build a gorgeous garden. For example, plant your plants in their preferred soil conditions and watering groups within your lawn. For example, plant all the heavily drought tolerant sun plants in one location. Plant all the shade loving plants in another region. Plant all the water hungry plants in another region. Be sure the soil conditions are also favored by the plants and you will have a highly successful drought tolerant garden. Another great way to save water is to have a rain garden. Rain gardens utilize techniques by which a sponge- like soil is created so the water coming from your home will be processed back into the water table instead of being funneled into the storm water system. Redirect downspouts to the area which is already the wettest or lowest zone in your lawn. Once you have prepared the soil for heavy water absorption, plant it with water loving plants which will help contain and process the water. Many people create a beautiful “river rock” area leading to their rain garden which increases the impression of a planned landscape and fits in well with the suburban community. It’s a great way to redirect and utilize water. Rain barrels are quite easy to install and are a great tool whereby a homeowner can save money when watering plants. You do not have to go out and buy an expensive water barrel, many not-for-profits set up to help the environment sell the barrels for an inexpensive price. You can also make your own quite easily. Directions can be found at your local library. Finally, watering heavily and low to the ground is key for water conservation in your garden. If you water lightly every day by utilizing sprinklers, the root systems are not able to reach deeply for water and you are wasting a significant amount of water which is evaporating into the air. It is much better to water heavily, once or twice a week before 10:00 AM and after 6:00 PM. By watering close to the ground with a drip-irrigation hose, the water is going directly to the root source and is not wasted on the upper portion of the plant. Take these ideas and implement them right now for better water conservation! Please send your gardening questions for Shawna Coronado, The Casual Gardener to dearshawna@thecasualgardener.com or The Casual Gardener, P.O. Box 358, Warrenville, IL 60555 |
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