Regional
(2010-06-25)
Listen Now:
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We've heard the water conservation commercial to turn the water off while brushing our teeth. I know in our family everyone could turn off the water while brushing and we could skip a few flushings. But I know we use a whole lot more water outside than we do brushing or flushing.
If you have an automatic sprinkler system, learn how the clock works. Simply find out how to turn it off and on. If we get a half an inch or more rain in a downpour thunderstorm, skip a watering cycle and turn the system off for a day. Some systems have rain sensors that do just that. When the sensor measures enough natural moisture it shuts off the system.
Learn how to program the sprinkler clock. If we get lucky and the summer monsoons hit at the end of July, re-program the clock to water less. Take advantage of the natural, free moisture. If it's hot and dry, which is probably the pattern we'll get, program the clock to water in the early morning.
Learn how much water your landscape needs. Most communities offer free water audits. Someone comes out to check your landscape and sprinkler systems. They make recommendations of how to water your landscape. You can create a water budget just like a household money budget.
Use mulch. Mulch cools the soil during hot weather. Mulch holds in moisture and doesn't let water evaporate as quickly. In vegetable gardens use organic mulches that will breakdown and build the soil. Those mulches also work around perennials, shrubs and trees.
In Fort Collins, we have a company that recycles yard wastes and wood products to make organic mulches. Hageman's Earth Cycle takes stuff that would go into the landfill and makes it useful garden products. Some garden waste they make into compost. Other yard waste like branches, are ground into useful organic mulches. It's basic recycling, from the garden and back to the garden. Check to see if there's a company or service like this in your community.
I know I can save a few gallons of water by turning off the faucet while I brush. But I can save hundreds of gallons of water by using it wisely in my landscape.
tom@throgmortonplantmangement.com
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