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The average American uses

100 gallons of water every day. Drought conditions in

many regions create watering restrictions and bans during

spring and summer. Landscapes are often unfairly

targeted. In many cases, plants require much less water

than assumed. In one example, the California State Water

Resources Department found that lawn and plant irrigation

accounted for less than four percent of the state's total

water consumption. In fact, garden centers suggest

watering a new plant with only two-to-three gallons of

water each week. After a month, a deep watering every

other week is often adequate. And in a year or so, plants

generally thrive with minimal watering.

Using water-efficient

landscaping techniques and drought-tolerant plants can

save up to 60 percent of water used in traditional

landscapes. Follow these suggestions from the American

Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA), to become a

more water-wise gardener.

Preparation

- Amend soil if

necessary. Water doesn't easily penetrate clay soil and

passes through sandy soil too quickly.

- Choose

drought-tolerant or low-water demand plants.

- Group plants

according to watering requirements.

- Aerate lawns for

best water penetration.

- Exercise weed

control. Weeds compete for water.

- Mulch plants to

reduce water loss from evaporation.

- Shelter container

plants. When possible, move pots to shady areas.

Water Use

- Drip water

conservation systems save up to 60 percent more water

than sprinkler irrigation methods.

- Water early in the

day and on less windy days to reduce evaporation loss.

Best watering window: dawn to 9 a.m.

- Less frequent, but

thorough watering, develops strong root systems and

provides greater tolerance to dry periods.

- To avoid wasting

water, turn off sprinklers and hoses as soon as watering

is completed.

Your local garden center or

landscape firm are great resources for additional

water-wise gardening techniques.

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