Watering the Garden ~ essentials for home gardening

In this time of concern for our natural resources, in particular our water supply, it's as important to use gardening techniques which help to reduce the need to add water to our gardens, as it is to know which watering equipment is most efficient in delivering water.

Water-wise Gardening

The days of turning on the sprinkler any time we see a touch of brown developing in our lawns are long over. Over recent years, watering restrictions in most of our neighborhoods has resulted in gardeners becoming more knowledgeable about responsible and effective ways to water their lawns and gardens. Water-wise gardening begins with selecting drought-tolerant plants whenever possible and creating gardens best suited to our local growing conditions.

Effective Home Garden Watering Techniques

Although water requirements are dependent on specifics such as plant type, soil type, growing conditions, weather and exposure, there are some general tips for watering that are effective in most gardens:

• Start out by improving your garden soil with organic matter such as compost, manure or leaf-mould. This helps to increase the soil's ability to retain moisture.
• Before planting, dig down deeply into the soil. This will improve water penetration and will increase the soil's moisture-retaining ability in dry periods.
• Collect rainwater in a water barrel for use in your garden. It is easy to connect one to the drainpipes of your home.
• Target the specific areas of the plant that needs water. For most plants this means watering the area of soil around the roots.
• Whenever possible, use a watering can rather than a hose or sprinkler. It will be easier to target a specific area of the plant and will not waste water on areas that do not need it.
• Do not saturate the plant with water because some of the water will evaporate or run off. Water until the soil feels moist.
• Avoid watering in the midday sun because the water will evaporate. The best time to water the garden is early in the morning or evening.
• To reduce evaporation, don't water when it's windy.
• Watering plants less frequently, but deeply and thoroughly helps them to develop healthy, deep root systems.
• Automatic watering systems should be altered according to the time of day, season and level of rainfall.

Watering Equipment & Supplies Online
	Rain Barrels As awareness of the need to conserve water grow, the traditional rain barrel becomes an ever more popular source of water for home gardens. English-style, deluxe, real oak and beehive rain barrels are available at Gardener's Supply. You will also find a downspout diverter to fit any standard size downspouts.
	Garden Hoses & Sprinklers If you just can't get away with natural rainfall to water your garden, then you'll need well-designed, efficient hoses and sprinklers to deliver the appropriate amount of water without waste or strain. Gardener's Supply
	Garden Hose Storage Here's a variety of solutions to keep your garden hoses in good condition and stored safely and neatly away. Gardener's Supply
	Automatic Water Timer for Home Gardens Automatic Watering without the programming headaches— if the last thing you need is another appliance to program, here's the water timer for you. You can set it to water one to four times a day for durations of one minute to twelve hours, all without a manual! Gardener's Supply