Water Saving Gardening Tools

So, sadly, I must have been living under a cave, because I’ve never seen this handy dandy little tool…

The Water Watch Fan Sprayer/Nozzle allows you to monitor your hose water use by the gallon as you water your garden, or wash your car, dog, gutters, etc. You attach the nozzle to your hose and as you spray the meter keeps track of your water consumption. Super cool! AND you could totally set goals using this, as in, “This week I’ll try to use so and so gallons.” Made of high-impact ABS and stainless steel and doesn’t need maintenance supposedly.

I love it. Actually I wish they made ones for sinks so you could monitor your in house water use as you go too, which unless I’m mistaken, doesn’t exist, but I’m going to check around. In any case, this tool got me thinking about other water saving tools you could try. Just in case the nozzle above doesn’t float your boat, some other ideas include…

Soil Moisture Meter Probe – helps you to determine if you actually need to water your plants or not.

Toro Rain Sensors save water by automatically shutting off your irrigation system when it rains. I’m wondering how that might fare in Oregon – that poor sensor would be going nuts.

Rain Barrel – saves water by conserving rain with which you can use to water your garden. You can get and install rain barrels for very little money nowadays or even make your own rain barrel.

Absorbing water crystals – Watersorb water crystal products can significantly reduce water use while dramatically improving plant survival and growth. Water crystals also reduce water runoff and soil erosion as a bonus.

Mulch – mulching well means you’ll water less no matter what you’re growing.

What are some of your favorite water saving tools in the garden?