Spring and Summer Conservation

 Choose containers with low water use in mind. Glazed terra cotta containers don't just look great, they don't lose water through the pot sides, thus requiring less frequent watering.

Rain barrels provide a FREE and sustainable source of water for your garden, can help prevent ponding and flooding in your yard, prevents transportation of pollutants in storm water, and reduces run-off.

Water your yard in the morning or evening. Water evaporates quickly when the sun is high, so sprinkle when it's more likely to stay in the soil. 

Try replacing some of your standard flower garden with beautiful drought- tolerant plants. These store water internally or by developing extensive root systems that sink deep into the soil.

When mowing your lawn, set the blade 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil, improving moisture retention, allowing it to grow thicker.

Mulch not only prevents weeds, it helps soil retain moisture, lowering the amount of watering needed in your plant beds. It also looks great! 

 If you are fortunate enough to have a backyard pool, make sure the water stays in it instead of evaporating. Cover your pool when you're not using it, even in the summer.

Playing with the garden hose might be a fun experience for children, but the hose can waste a large amount of water while playing. This can mean that homeowners waste several gallons while their children are playing. Instead of taking the hose out for play time this summer season, why not have kids use smaller squirt bottles instead?  Small squirt bottles can be filled with a little amount of water each time and only release water when used, limiting the amount of waste.

Use a sprinkler over dry patches of grass or near plants that need to be watered AND give the kids a daily time to run through the sprinkler. Win Win!