Water-Wise Gardening

Take advantage of these great tips for a water-wise landscape! Get more information from The California Garden Web for water-saving edible gardens, tree care during times of drought and much more.

Water-saving Plant Tips:

• Remove plants in crowded beds or low-priority plants competing for soil moisture 
• Mulch, mulch, mulch! 
  • 3 to 4" layer reduces water evaporation and weeds
  • Protects roots from heat 
  • Reduces weeds who compete for water 
• Avoid heavy pruning 
• Do not overuse fertilizers, which increase growth and water demands 
• Infrequent deep watering encourages deeper root growth, and results in plants with greater drought tolerance  
• Use a drip irrigation system, grouping plants with similar water needs together on one drip irrigation line 

Water-saving Lawn Tips:

• Select water efficient varieties suited for your local climate 
• Replace nonessential turf with ground covers, mulches, decks and walkways 
• Adjust irrigation schedule monthly - to reflect seasonal changes 
• Water at night, ideally between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., this reduces evaporation and wind will not be strong enough to interfere with sprinkler patterns
• Mow lawns higher during very warm weather 
  • Helps reduce growth rate 
  • Protects lawn from sunburn
  • Promotes deeper root growth 
  • Shades soil, reduces weeds 

California's drought is serious!  You've come to the right place for up-to-date drought information from University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources academics working in this area.

Contact a UC Cooperative Master Gardener volunteer in Riverside County for more help in your own backyard and landscape!  See Ask a Master Gardener for more information.