Water conservation is more than just watering less often; it means building watering habits that promote efficiency and informed decision-making.
The following resources will help you develop water conservation practices that use less water and direct water to where plants want it most: their roots.
Know Your Lawn Hydrant
- Inspect the lawn hydrant during every garden visit. Train the entire garden team in proper use and maintenance.
- Turn the water OFF at the source after every use. Shutting off only the hose will waste a tremendous amount of water.
- Check for leaks during every use. Leaks can typically be found where the hose connects to the faucet, around the handle and at the base of hydrant.
- Protect your hydrant from theft by scrap metal collectors. Make sure the piping is protected with a locked cage or metal box. Some gardens paint the box black to hide the metal for even more protection.
DIY Rain Harvesting Projects
- Manage stormwater with rain barrels attached to disconnected downspouts
- Rain Gardens are a functional, ecological and aesthetically pleasing option for stormwater retention and water conservation
- Install a rainwater harvesting system like those at Xochiquetzal Peace Garden or Growing Station
- Learn how to recycle greywater – water used for domestic tasks such as laundry and dishwashing
Water Conservation Practices and Pledges
Gardeners have devised many different methods for conserving water. Take a look at some of these options and develop a water conservation plan with your garden group.
- Evaluate the garden’s watering practices with the NeighborSpace Community Garden Water Audit
- Use a rain gauge to learn how much water is provided naturally to your garden before adding more
- Add more drought tolerant perennials and edibles to your garden
- Start grouping vegetables by the amount of water they need
- Read a variety of tips at the Inside Urban Green blog
- Experiment with various irrigation techniques: