Watering

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Drip lines and mulch conserve water in the ornamental garden. Laura Lukes
The Real Dirt: Article

Keeping Plants Alive When Water is Scarce

July 29, 2025
It hasn’t been a terrible summer, yet it’s been some time since we have seen rain in our area, and some of your plants may be suffering. While you might not be able to save them all, you can take precautions in your garden that will save the plants it makes sense to save, define your gardening priorities,…
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Irrigation
Smart Water Living: Urban Water Use Efficiency in SoCal: Article

Smart Irrigation Month: A Call to Action for Water Efficiency in California

July 24, 2025
By Esther N Lofton
Why Smart Irrigation Matters Now More Than Ever As Southern California enters the peak of summer, water agencies, utilities, and residents are turning their attention to one of the region’s most pressing challenges—sustainable water use. July is officially recognized as Smart Irrigation Month, a…
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Vegetable garden with pots watered by drip system
Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Watering Vegetables - the Basics

June 23, 2025
By Linda Carloni
Learn how and when to water vegetables in Alameda County. Get tips on soil, plant needs, and irrigation methods to keep your garden healthy and water-wise.
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AB-1572
Smart Water Living: Urban Water Use Efficiency in SoCal: Article

Proyecto de ley de la Asamblea (AB) 1572 (2023-2024): Comprensión de la Nueva Ley sobre el Uso del Agua y el Césped no Funcional

June 23, 2025
By Esther N Lofton
AB 1572 es una ley de California que tiene como objetivo conservar el agua potable al prohibir su uso para regar césped no funcional en ciertas áreas. El césped no funcional se refiere al césped que no tiene un propósito real; no se usa para deportes, juegos o recreación, como el césped a lo largo de las…
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AB
Smart Water Living: Urban Water Use Efficiency in SoCal: Article

Assembly Bill (AB) 1572 (2023–2024): Understanding the New Law on Water Use and Nonfunctional Turf

June 20, 2025
By Esther N Lofton
AB 1572 is a California law that aims to conserve drinking water (potable water) by prohibiting its use for watering non-functional grass (turf) in certain areas. Nonfunctional turf refers to grass that serves no real purpose; it’s not used for sports, play, or recreation, such as grass along roads, in…
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Watering

Want to save water? Learn about watering of vegetables,trees and more. Here is information on gardening with graywater and using recycled water .
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UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Reducing Energy

If you must have a lawn, raise mower blade to 3 inches. Photo credit: Ulrike Mai from Pixabay If your power and water bills rise dramatically every summer, your garden might not be as green as it looks. Although a beautiful garden can bring joy, it can also waste energy.
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Banner water on leaves
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Irrigation: How to, How Much

Too much water is the most common cause of decline in landscape trees and shrubs, either through directly killing plants or making them more prone to disease. Too much watering can result in fertilizer runoff into storm drains and pollutes waterways.
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