Twelve tips for saving water in the home garden

Clearly, the efficient use of water and common sense cab help save our most precious resource.

1 - Correctly choosing the appropriate species and varieties. Warm climate species (C4) consume on average half the water than temperate (C3) species and can tolerate lower quality water.

2 - Apply shortage irrigation or survival irrigation when necessary.

3 - Install a drip irrigation system around shrubs, flowers, hanging plants and vegetable gardens. This system, drip irrigation, uses 50% less water than the everyday-use sprinklers. And they are more efficient because they expel water slowly and directly to the root system of plants. 

4 - Install an irrigation system associated with a rain sensor. People who install an irrigation system in their garden with a sensor use less water than those who do not use it. It is efficient for water management, they can save a lot of water by applying strictly what the lawn and plants need. When it rains, the sensor is even able to cut the watering programme, preventing waste of water and saving more of this precious commodity. 

5 - If you already have an irrigation system in your garden, make sure you are making the most of your programmer. New technologies are making it easier each day to program and control the irrigation needs of a garden. Seriously consider renewing your programmer. Automatic models help save more water than the old mechanical models. 

6 - Do not apply fertilizers if there is a water shortage. Doing so you may intensify drought problems. If you do use them, be sure to use slow-release fertilizers, which are more appropriate. 

7 - Raise your mower blade, or what is the same, mow at a higher mowing height. Lawns mowed low require more water. 

8 - Recycle turfgrass clippings in the garden. You will save mowing time as well as water. 
 
9 - Do not perform routine pruning. Pruning stimulates growth and this growth requires more water. We recommend pruning only when plants start wilting or their leaves begin to fall.

10 - Place a layer of mulch around plants. Mulching helps maintain humidity and slows evaporation. The mulch layer should be generous: from 7.5 to 12.5 cm. 

11 - If you water with a hose, it would be advisable to buy a programmer to regulate watering time.

12 -Moisten the sidewalks rather than drenching them with water.