In the extreme heat of summer, it can become a major chore to keep your lawn and garden looking lush. When there’s no chance of rain in sight, it’s tempting to reach for the water hose, but before you do, consider these water conservation tips to get the most from your effort and keep waste at a minimum.
timing
When the heat is at its worst in the afternoon, it’s tempting to cool your grass off with a light watering. Resist the temptation! When heat is high, water can evaporate even before it has a chance to actually reach the roots of your grass and plants. And think of this: Shallow watering encourages unhealthy, shallow rooting. It’s better to water deeply once or twice a week early in the morning when the temperatures are still cool. Aim for about an inch of water. If you use a sprinkler hooked to a garden hose, it may be a good idea to set out a cup nearby to measure how long it takes to reach an inch of water. Once you know what that is, set a timer each time you water so you know when the plants have had enough. It’s too easy to turn the water on and forget!
choose the right plants
Get a leg up on watering by picking grass and other vegetation that is suited to your climate and doesn’t need a lot of water. Bermuda grass is a good drought-tolerant variety. It goes dormant during a drought, and when it gets water, it perks back up again quickly. Zoysia is another good drought-tolerant choice. Lantana, salvia, lavender and coneflower all are perfect for a flowerbed that’s a little on the dry side.
mulch
Adding a layer of mulch to your beds, containers and borders is a great way to retain moisture in the garden. Up to 70 percent of water can evaporate from the soil on a really hot day. Mulch is an excellent barrier to cool the soil and keep the moisture where you want it. It also helps hold back weeds that might steal moisture. Look for coarse mulch that will allow water to get down through to the soil, and layer it on about 2 inches deep.
P. Allen Smith, host of two public television programs, is an award-winning designer and gardening expert. He is the author of several books, including Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.