11 Water-Saving Tips for Gardeners

WeatherPort’s 10′ x 10′ Greenhouse Kit can be moved wherever needed.

Do you have a garden, flowerbeds, landscaping or a greenhouse? If so, simple water conservation practices can go a long way toward preventing waste. 

If you have a garden, flowerbeds, landscaping, or a greenhouse — or if you’re considering starting one or all of those projects — keep in mind that there are easy water-saving tips for helping you conserve liquid sunshine.

1. Learn the Sun’s Pattern 

This is something you should do before choosing a location for your garden or greenhouse. Position your plants where they can soak up the perfect amount of sunlight.

If you don’t have a lot of sunlight, that’s okay, too. Shade-loving plants are an excellent alternative to plants that require full sun exposure.

2. Stick With Native Plants 

Native plants have adapted to modern environments and generally require less watering than non-native species. 

You can even certify your wildlife habitat on a national registry.

Eliminate non-native species and replace them with a variety of native plants, shrubs, and trees of different sizes and species. This is a great way to increase the health and functionality of your property to native birds, insects, and wildlife.

 Pro tip: Native plants encourage pollinators to thrive, so it’s a win-win!

Your local nursery or botanical garden can help you find plants native to your area. Use the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder to get a list of the plants native to your zip code that support pollinators and other wildlife. 

According to The Handbook of Water Use and Conservation, 2 trillion gallons of water are consumed inefficiently while watering landscapes. Half of those gallons don’t even make it to the grass’s roots because of runoff and evaporation. 

Image via Unsplash | Save the bees. 

3. Don’t Overwater Your Garden

Following the EPA’s Watersense watering tips, landscapes usually require one inch of water a week – this includes rainwater. 

However, this can vary depending on what plants you choose, your location, your climate and weather patterns. 

Note how much water your plants require based on the characteristics of your species and avoid overwatering.

By installing graduated cylinders or scientific beakers, you can gauge how much water your sprinklers and irrigation systems are shedding on your plants. 

Watering Tip: Don’t drown your plants. Use measuring cups in your garden to determine how much rain your landscape is getting. 

[Related: 5 Things to Consider Before Investing in a Greenhouse]

4. Frequently Test Your Flower’s Soil and Moisture 

Another way to tell if you’re overwatering is to test your soil. Home improvement stores, horticulture supply stores and garden centers sell tools uniquely suited for gauging your garden’s moisture. 

You can use dry-soil plants in areas with an excess of sunlight. If your plants demand a lot of water, you should plant them in shaded areas. 

If you don’t have one of those tools, use a long straight-blade screwdriver to break up the soil as a moisture test. Dry soil is more challenging to break up than soil with proper moisture. 

The EPA shares soil moisture-based control technologies that guide gardeners in measuring the soil’s moisture and regulating irrigation schedules to satisfy your plants’ specific needs. 

5. Water Your Plants in the Morning

Cooler temperatures lead to less evaporation, which is why watering in the morning is the best way to go. You can water in the evening or at night, but you increase the chances of fungus forming in your garden because fungus thrives in damp, dark places.

Pro Tip: Don’t water during the hottest part of the day – the sun will evaporate the water before it reaches the plant’s roots. 

6. Weed Your Garden 

This one’s a no-brainer. 

Not only do weeds sap away much-needed nutrients from your plants, but they also suck up water intended for your crops. You’ll maximize the effectiveness of watering by keeping weeds away from your plants.

7. Plant in Raised Beds

Bunching your plants close together in beds that won’t be trodden upon is a great way to keep them healthy and growing well. It also helps conserve water because it’s used only where it directly affects the plants you’re growing. 

You can also plant crops in blocks rather than rows.

8. Use Mulch

Mulch does a great job of keeping moisture where it belongs instead of evaporating. Mulch also prevents soil-borne disease from splashing up onto your plants. Use organic mulch so that when it rots, it will fill the soil with nutrients.

Under a blanket of mulch, the base of plants remains cool and the ground around them maintains moisture. 

Gardening Tip: Keep in mind that thick layers of mulch can form a crust that blocks water from reaching the soil. Use a rake to break up the crust and your plants will thrive while you save water.

9. Ditch the Traditional Garden Hose and Install Irrigation Systems 

Hoses are okay for emergency watering, but they’re not good for long-term use because they waste water through mist, leaks, runoff and evaporation. Use a soaker hose or sprinkler wand instead. 

You can even use WaterSense sprinkler systems to regulate the amount of water your garden receives. Or, install irrigation systems that ensure your garden is watered efficiently with modern watering methods like micro-irrigation, a water system that slowly releases water into a plant’s roots. 

To find additional water-efficient products, explore WaterSense, the EPA’s voluntary partnership program. 

[Related: How to Create a Backyard Oasis]

10. Recycle Rainwater With Rain Barrels 

Tap water isn’t the only liquid suitable for keeping your gardens and flowerbeds lush.

When the rain falls, save water and let natural rainwater supply your gardens and landscapes. Harvesting rainwater enables you to save on your water bill and give plants the water they thirst for naturally. 

The EPA program Soak Up the Rain is a great resource to learn more about how to repurpose stormwater runoff to water your garden. 

[Related: WeatherPort Testimonials]

Image via Unsplash | Use rain barrels to recycle rainwater for your garden.

11. Water Your Gardens in a WeatherPort Greenhouse 

WeatherPort’s greenhouses are unrivaled in reliability and durable design: 

• Compliant with local and international safety regulations and building codes
• Features quick setup times and portability 
• Customizations including size, layout, shelving, windows, doors, ventilation and climate control options – to name a few

Call us at (970) 399-5909 or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation! A  WeatherPort® Shelter Systems building specialist will gladly answer your questions and help you design your greenhouse today!