Water is our most important natural resource and with hot summer months that bring dry conditions, it’s more important than ever to practice water conservation. Fortunately, there are simple, effective strategies you can use in your garden to reduce water waste while helping your plants thrive.

Start with smart soil preparation. Good water conservation begins before you even put plants in the ground. When creating a planting area, organic matter such as compost can be incorporated. This improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture, especially in sandy soils. Once planting is complete, apply mulch around your plants. This could be pine bark mulch, pine straw, or even leaves from the previous fall. Mulch reduces water loss from evaporation and helps prevent weed growth. Not only do weeds detract from your garden’s appearance, they compete with other plants for water and nutrients. The mulch and organic matter will break down over time so it will need to be replenished as needed.

Choose efficient watering methods. Opt for soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or micro
sprinklers instead of overhead watering. Overhead watering often results in water loss due to evaporation. In contrast, drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the soil, targeting your plants and avoiding waste on sidewalks or driveways. These methods also allow water to be applied slowly, giving it time to soak into the soil and reducing runoff. If hand watering, direct water to the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. This ensures more water reaches the roots and helps prevent fungal diseases caused by wet foliage. Water early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimal.

Water according to need, not schedule. Avoid watering on a fixed schedule. Instead,
pay attention to your plants and the weather. In hot, dry conditions your garden may need more frequent watering, but during cool or humid periods, less water may be required. If there was a recent rain event of a half inch or more, it may be possible to add a couple of days until the next irrigation.

Keep in mind that different plants have different needs. Established trees and shrubs can often go without supplemental watering unless there is a drought. On the other hand, vegetables, annuals, and container plants require more frequent attention. Containers can dry out quickly and may need watering more than once on hot days. You can group plants with similar watering needs to make watering more efficient. This will both save water as well as save time. Watering deeply and less frequently encourages deep root growth, helping plants become more drought-resistant over time.

Use tools to help manage water. Consider using a timer to avoid overwatering. Whether it’s a simple phone alarm or a spigot timer, this small tool can prevent water waste while giving you peace of mind.

Collect Rainwater. Rain barrels are another great conservation tool. Just on inch of rain on a 1,000 square-foot roof can yield over 500 gallons of water which is perfect for reusing in your garden and reducing your water bill.

Choose drought tolerant plants. Whenever possible, incorporate drought tolerant plants into your landscape. These plants require less frequent watering and are well-suited to withstand dry conditions.

By using these water-wise gardening practices, you can conserve water and support a healthy, thriving garden even during the hottest months. For more information about water conservation in your garden or for any other gardening related information contact Kinsey Watkins at the Richmond Cooperative Extension Office at (910) 997-8255 or kinsey_watkins@ncsu.edu. Follow us on Facebook and check out our Events page stay updated on workshops being offered.