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Quick Guide to Water-Wise Gardening

Gardening is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to support the environment and join forces with nature! Create a sanctuary for local wildlife without excessive irrigation by choosing drought-tolerant native plants.

Use the following tips to keep your garden in great shape without over-watering.

Nature knows best. Native plants are adapted to local rainfall patterns and soil. Unlike exotic species from other parts of the globe, native greenery requires significantly less watering once established. The key is regional specificity: a plant that is used to living on a rainy coast won’t thrive without lots of water. Help reduce the strain on your local water supply (and lower your water bill) by choosing plants that belong in your region.

Click here to find your area’s native plants: https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/

Support our local pollinators! Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds hold our ecosystems together by supporting plant reproduction and diversity. The water cycle needs plants to return moisture to the atmosphere, and plants need pollinators to help them reproduce. In addition to providing the food we eat, plants naturally manage water runoff, help purify water, and prevent soil erosion. Skip toxic pesticides and include native milkweed, sage, or wildflowers in your planting to provide a pit stop for these small-but-mighty creatures.

Irrigate with intention. When you water your garden, every drop counts. Move away from “set it and forget it” sprinklers, which often lose water to wind and evaporation. Focus on watering deeply but less frequently, ideally in the early morning. Use micro irrigation for direct root watering and apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch to retain soil moisture. Visit the EPA website for more information to help manage your irrigation system.

By gardening with your local environment in mind, you will spend less time and money keeping it up, and more time enjoying a vibrant and sustainable living landscape.