Advice to Grow By
UC Master Gardeners of San Diego County
Hotline (858) 822-6910
www.MasterGardenerSD.org
Use Smart Gardening Practices
- Water to root depth: adjust amount of water to depth of roots.
- Water at drip lines: the area defined by outer circumference of tree canopy.
- Add thick layer of mulch: it conserves moisture, improves soil quality and reduces weeds.
- Reduce fertilizer application: use only what a plant will need. Over-fertilizing encourages overgrowth, requiring more water to sustain.
Watering smart saves money, beautifies landscape, reduces maintenance and protects our environment.
Design to Save Water
- Plan your yard to fit your purpose.
- Group plants for similar water use and avoid overwatering or underwatering.
- Match irrigation to plant groups.
- Right size your lawn: plan your lawn for your needs.
- Consider replacing lawn with a thoughtful grouping of low-water plants.
Select Water-wise Plants
- Select plants that require less water and conserve water.
- Plants from a Mediterranean climate are adapted to survive dry summers and mild winters.
- California natives have adapted over time to local conditions. They need minimum water and little or no fertilizer.
- Native plants support native birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and other species of native wildlife.
- Succulents often come from dry areas and can store water in their leaves, stems or roots.
- All succulents need good drainage and very little water.
- Warm season grasses need 25% less water; warm season grasses include Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass.
Irrigation Systems
- Monitor and maintain irrigation systems.
- Adjust timer seasonally – need for water changes with seasons.
- Water early in the morning, water percolates through the soil easier and less is lost to evaporation.
- Turn off irrigation during rain.
- Install a hose bib timer to control release of water.
- Low-flow irrigation systems use less water than conventional methods.
- Avoid waste – a leaky faucet dripping at one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.
- Avoid runoff which occurs when water is applied too fast.
Water Conservation Resources
For water conservation resources, conduct the following searches:
- San Diego County Water Authority
- Water Conservation Tips - Public Utilities – City of San Diego
- Water Conservation Garden
- California Regional Water Control Board
- San Diego Coastkeeper
- California Department of Water Resources
The Master Gardener Association of San Diego County supports the University of California Master Gardeners of San Diego County. UCANR is an equal opportunity provider and employer.