Tightwad water saving tips: garden

Our water use is habitual – we consume gallons of the stuff without us even thinking about it. It’s so easy to look for ways to save water in everyday tasks– once you start examining your water use you’ll be surprised how much you could cut back. With summer around the corner, here are some Tightwad tips to consider for water saving measures in your garden:
- A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back when you move, it doesn't need water.
- Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will promote water retention in the soil.
- Water the lawn just long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. Placing an empty tuna can on your lawn during a watering will help you to gage how much is enough – when it’s full you've been watering for just the right amount of time.
- Early morning is generally better than dusk to water your garden since it helps to prevent the growth of fungus and is also the best defence against garden pests.
- Early and late watering reduces water loss to evaporation.
- Try not to water when it's windy - wind can blow sprinklers off target and speed evaporation.
- You can greatly reduce the amount of water used with strategic placement of soaker hoses, rain barrels and simple drip-irrigation systems.
- A watering meter can be easily added to your hose and lawn sprinkler timers can be used to set water usage to the amount required.
- Many shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species. Replace herbaceous perennial borders with native plants and hardy perennials suited to your climate. Consider applying the principles of xeriscape landscape design for a low-maintenance, drought resistant yard.
- Mulch placed around your trees and plants will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth.
- Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas (like, cleaning your street).
- Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing. Better yet, use a waterless car washing system, which can saves hundreds of litres of water per wash.
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks (seeing people spraying down their driveways personally drives me friggin crazy).
- Check for leaks in hoses and faucets.
Whew! That’s a good start and plenty of preaching for the time being. Now for that margarita…