How to Conserve Water Outdoors

The garden bug may make you feel green and environmentally friendly, but in reality the plants you grow outside may use a tremendous amount of water. Plan your gardening and lawn routine to conserve water and reduce your environmental impact, and you will have a yard you can really be proud of.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Mulch
Sprinklers
Gardening supplies

Step 1

Landscape your garden in a water-friendly way. Do your planting on flat ground, not on hills. Water runs off hills, so you'll need more water to care for plants on an incline.

Step 2

Plant native species that can grow without additional water as much as possible. That way, you will only have to water your garden during droughts.

Step 3

Place a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to reduce evaporation.

Step 4

Water early in the morning before the sun comes up or in the evening after it goes down to reduce evaporation. When you water, target the base of the plant where it can be absorbed.

Step 5

Water your lawn only when it needs it. According to Wateruseitwisely.com, you should only water your lawn every three days in the summer and every five days in the winter. To see if it is time yet, walk across your lawn. If you leave footprints, your lawn needs more water.

Step 6

Inspect your sprinkler system professionally every year or two. A professional will check for leaks and recommend more modern, water-saving devices that may be appropriate for your lawn.

Article Written By Isaiah David

Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

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