Looking to make your garden even greener this year? That’s what we were hoping to hear! Whether you have a balcony garden, an in-ground garden or a container garden there are so many easy ways to conserve water use for your budding plants. Are you ready to leaf your old habits behind? Because we’re about to sprinkle some seriously savvy tips your way. 

Let’s make every drop count, shall we? Read on to learn more.

Drip, Drip, Hooray!

Say goodbye to wasteful watering habits and hello to drip irrigation systems! These nifty setups deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, minimizing evaporation and maximizing efficiency. Plus, they’re a breeze to install and maintain – talk about a win-win. Explore more on how drip irrigation works here.

Conserve Rainwater

Mother Nature’s got your back with free water straight from the sky! Invest in a rain barrel or two to capture rainwater runoff from your roof. You’ll have a sustainable source of water for your garden, and you’ll be doing your part to reduce stormwater runoff. Resources on rainwater capture here. 

Mulch Madness 

Mulch isn’t just for looks, folks – it’s also a water-saving superhero! By layering mulch around your plants, you’ll help retain moisture in the soil, reduce evaporation, and keep pesky weeds at bay. Plus, it adds a touch of aesthetic flair to your garden. And if you’re in need free mulch can be found here. 

Timing is Everything

Channel your inner garden guru and water your plants at the optimal time of day – early morning or late evening. This helps minimize water loss from evaporation and ensures that your thirsty plants get the hydration they need to thrive. It’s all about working smarter, not harder!

Opt for Native Plants

Choose water-wise plants that are native to your region and thrive in your local climate. These hardy beauties are like the superheroes of the plant world – they can handle drought conditions like champs and require minimal watering to flourish. Plus, they add a touch of local flair to your garden. We recommend using the California Native Plant Society’s interactive plant database to find the right native plants for your garden and the Theodore Payne Foundation for when you’re looking to acquire them!

So there you have it, folks – a crash course in water-wise gardening that’s as fun as it is effective! Let’s sprinkle smart, conserve water, and watch our gardens – and our planet – flourish. Happy gardening!

Have any other great water conservation tips!? Share them with us at lastormwater@lacity.org and we might feature them on our social media.