I was recently shaken to hear the news that one of the most important and diverse water tables in our community is below the critical level. It was a striking reality that the water cycle is not as it used to be. Most of us take water for granted. We assume that the rains will replace the water table below. Fortunately, some regions do have enough rain fall to replace those tables. However, conservation still needs to be heeded as it too may soon become victim to drought situations in the future.

It takes a great deal of run off water from rains far away to replenish our underground water. You can do several things to reduce the amount of water you use in your garden.

Step One:

When selecting a garden spot, try to locate the best soil possible. Your garden will only be as good as the spoil you plant it in. Take the time to build soil amendments into it. An inexpensive method is to buy a soil compost in bulk. You will find it easier and less expensive in the long run. There are many local garden centers and businesses that carry soils which can be loaded onto your truck.

Planting in soil that offers no nutritional value or holds no water is simply a waste of time. You can amend your soil by using several different mulches or composts. One of my favorites is earth worm casting. You can find this in bulk wherever earth worms are raised. Such materials are natural, do not burn your plants and are chemical free. Locate a good organic or natural compost either in bulk or bags. Work this well into the soil.

Step Two:

Start your own compost bin. They are easy to make and well worth the time. You can use mesh wire in a barrel form, a wooden framed box, bins or you can buy them from local garden centers. You will find several options to building a compost bin on line.

Step Three:

Start by planting your vegetables so water can be maintained rather than run off the sides. If using row planting, make sure you berm up the isles enough to hold water in between the rows. No water should be wasted. There are many gardens that start our with good berms. During the course of the season, they are worn down. Re build your berms and make sure you always have them in a condition to hold water. If you plant in containers, leave at least 2” at the top for water to stand so it soaks into the container. A common mistake is to fill the pot to the top with soil. Run off water is easily controlled, however, it is the most wasteful mistake in gardening.

Step Four:

How much water do you actually need to use? Each plant is different. A basic rule is to feel the soil . Observe that the soil is just starting to get dry before you water. If the weather is hotter you will be watering more. When you water make sure to water deeply. It is better to soak the soil than to sprinkle or lightly water. Check your plant requirements according to the package.

Step Five:

Use a drip irrigation system. This is probably one of the most important methods you can use to save water. Sprinklers loose water to the air, wind and run off. Local garden centers and home stores usually have some sort of drip system. They will be able to show you how to install and use them. These systems are really very easy to set up.

Begin by making a scaled plan of your garden. Measure the size and how many rows you will have. Take the plan to the garden center and let them help you figure out the components. At the end of this article you will find a resource website to look up most all of your garden needs. You can search for tips and products.

Step Six:

Consider using “gray” water for your garden. This is water generated from your baths, dishwasher, laundry, etc. It is one of the most wasted sources of water. I am not referring to”black” water. It is unusable as it is generated from toilets With some modification you can save about 3,000 gallons of water weekly (from a family of four). Now that’s a lot of water!

If you use a lot of chemicals and bleach you will need to install a series of treatment filters to eliminate them. The amount of water you save in the long run will easily compensate for the cost of the filters. Do some research before you use gray water.

Most gray water contains phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, all of which benefit plants. These chemicals are found in organic soaps and shampoos. Check the labels on the products you purchase and look for natural or organic products. Avoid products that contain toxic chemicals and bleaches. If you notice that your plants are suffering damage from the gray water, stop using it and consult a horticulturist or gardener.

These are simple but important steps you can take to help conserve water in your garden.