Monitor your watering is a smart thing to do year round, but during larger seasonal changes it becomes even more important, especially if one of your goals is to conserve water. For example, here in Oregon the rainy season is hitting us. Actually it’s been so cold it feels like the snowy season is hitting us… but I digress. In any case, water use will vary now because we’re seeing more rainfall.

To conserve makes sure you…
Watch your water levels. Your garden really doesn’t need that much water and you can calculate fairly precise amounts at Be Water Wise. Once you …read more

It’s important to use water wisely. While yes, we have big oceans, and yes it rains, water is limited. Over the years  water supplies have remained at basically the same level but demand has further and further increased, which is where we’re going to run into problems.

As noted in the award-winning documentary FLOW…

Of the 6 billion people on earth, 1.1 billion do not have access to safe, clean drinking water (www.charitywater.org).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently does not regulate 51 known water contaminants (www.foodandwaterwatch.org).
The average American uses 150 gallons of water per day, but those in developing countries …read more

A rain garden is not terribly different from a traditional garden but it is a more efficient garden. Rain gardens use rain (shocking right) and stormwater runoff as a perk. They use this extra water to their advantage other than allowing it to cause a problem. A rain garden also incorporates smarter plant choices, such as water loving plants vs. plants that smother with too much water.

Creating a rain garden is something you can do on your own, although it is an involved process and you may want to check with a local landscaper or your local community extension office …read more

Mulch is one of those simple things that’s so easy and efficient you can’t believe anyone with a garden wouldn’t do it.
Mulching is basically when you add a material (mulch) to the top of soil (a garden bed, around a plant, etc.) that helps the soil to retain more moisture. Obviously the benefit is you water less and plants still thrive. Mulch also aids in getting rid of weeds – mulch smothers the weeds so you won’t need to pull as many out OR use toxic weed killer. Additionally looser mulch can be used to protect plants over the winter …read more