5 Tips to Make Your Garden More Water-Efficient

Choosing the right plants is a great way to save water, and here you have two good options. One of them is to go for native plants. These will be adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, meaning they're much more likely to be able to survive primarily on rainwater. Another option is to choose drought-resistant plants, which naturally need little water to stay alive.

Visit your local nursery or speak with some green-thumbed neighbors to see which local plants aren't fussy to deal with. Or go online and read up on gardening tips to learn more about the plants native to your region. You can click here to get started.

Mulch is a gardener's best friend when it comes to conserving water. Applying a layer of mulch around your plants helps retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and keep the soil cool. On top of that, organic mulches, such as straw, bark, or compost, add the added benefit of enriching the soil as they decompose.

For better results, aim for a mulch layer about 2 to 4 inches thick, but be careful not to pile it too close to plant stems to avoid rot. Mulching not only saves water but also suppresses weeds that compete with your plants for water.

The sky provides free water once in a while, so why not use it? Your rainwater collection system can be as simple as placing a rain barrel under a downspout to capture water from your roof. Using rainwater reduces your reliance on municipal water systems or wells and makes use of a free, natural resource.

Rainwater is also free from chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water, making it better for your plants. Just remember to cover your barrels to prevent mosquitoes and debris from getting in.

Drip irrigation is a highly efficient way to water your garden. This system delivers water directly to the base of each plant, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Drip irrigation is more efficient than traditional sprinklers or hand watering as it places water exactly where it's needed — at the plant's roots.

Drip irrigation systems can be customized to fit any garden layout and are especially beneficial for watering vegetable beds, perennial borders, and shrub areas. Installing a drip system might require an initial investment, but the water savings over time make it worthwhile. And if you want to get this done on the cheap, there are plenty of DIY drip watering system ideas out there.

A smart irrigation controller can take your garden's water efficiency to the next level. These devices automatically adjust the watering schedule based on weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and plant water requirements. On top of that, they can be programmed to water at the most effective times, usually in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

All of this helps reduce waste and optimize plant health. All while freeing from having to water the plants yourself. So it can be a great investment, especially if you're growing difficult plants.