Page 14 - Farm Worker 84

Make your garden
Summer

Water Wise this Summer

In this time of drought in our country, we
should all be doing are part at saving water
wherever we can. Our gardens are the one place
where we use the most water. During summer
half of all household water can be used in the
garden. It is possible to save water and have a
beautiful garden. Here are a few tips on saving
water in your garden.

1. Add organic material: All soil is not created
equal. Soil is essentially a collection of min-
eral particles of different sizes. If the parti-
cles are large (sand) water passes through
rapidly. If particles are small(clay), water will
penetrate slowly. The solution for both is to
add organic matter, like for instance com-
post, chopped up leaves or manure. This will
improve the water holding capacity of the
soil.

2. Use mulch to retain water: A layer of mulch
can cut water needs in half by blocking
weeds and reducing evaporation. Organic
mulches retain some water themselves and
increase the humidity level around plants.

3. Use free water: Rainwater is the best choice
for your plants, because it is clear, unchlo-
rinated and free. Use rain barrels and a cis-
tern to collect water from your own sprouts.

4. Reduce your lawn: Turf grass is one of the
most thirsty and labour intensive types of
gardens, rather try a ground cover or low
maintenance perennials.

Planning your garden ahead of time and choos-
ing your plants carefully is very important.
Water Wise gardens focus on plant varieties
that thrive with little water. However no plant is
wrong in a water wise garden, you just have to
plant it in the right zone so that it can use water
most efficiently. You can select exotic as well as
indigenous plants.