You can save your water usage by using the proper Garden Watering Systems for your particular landscape and gardens. Some garden watering systems are very simple and others are quite complex. Choosing native plants that will work well in your environment is not only being plant wise but also water wise.

It is best to always check beneath the surface of your soil for the moisture content before you do any type of watering. Giving your plants or landscape too much water will wash away all the nutrients and the root growth of your plants will be greatly reduced. When it is time to water your garden be sure the drip system nozzle or sprinkler head is aimed at the roots of each individual plant and give a little extra care to the ones that need water the most. You will end up wasting water if you water between the plants. Generally speaking the plants needing extra water are the youngest transplants because their roots will still be very shallow; flowering fruit plants and those with growing fruit are another priority.

The majority of ground soil is made up of mineral particles in all different shapes and sizes. Sand is one mineral that is a large particle and if the soil contains many of these particles water will drain through it very quickly. If your soil contains small particles such as clay, water passes through at a much slower pace. Both kinds of soil can be a problem but if you add organic material such as mulched leaves or compost it improves the texture and the water holding abilities. If you have sandy soil or clay soil it is best to add the organic material on a yearly basis.

The more organic material that is added the better moisture retention in the soil. This water that is retained in the soil will now be available for plant roots when it is needed. Soaking up water is the main job of the root hairs and root tips of your plants and if conditions become too wet or too dry they become damaged. Using a soaker hose for watering your plants and place a layer of mulch on the surface will help reduce water evaporation. Mulch will also maintain an even amount of moisture for the soil and keep healthy roots.

Be sure your garden watering systems are aimed directly at the roots of the plants and not the top. Drip irrigation systems allow you to install spray nozzles that are low to the ground and aim right at each plant's root system. The drip system lowers the evaporation of water and keeps the ground between plants dry therefore you use less water and have fewer weeds. Using a conventional sprinkler system will only give you a 40 to 50 percent chance that the water reaches the roots. There are devices such as Aqua Cones that will send the water right to the roots. A flat soaker hose will deliver water evenly and slowly to landscape beds or flower garden beds.

'Free water' or rainwater is the best to use because it is free, clear, and un-chlorinated. You can save over 600 gallons of rainwater from a roof that is 1,000 square feet from just an inch of rain. All you need to do is route your gutter down spouts to drain into a rain barrel that can be covered so you can use the water at a later time. Collecting rainwater during your rainy season will definitely save money and water usage during drought times in the summer. The wind is another way of losing moisture. The wind will not only dry out the ground but will cause your plants moisture loss through their leaves much quicker than normal. Garden fabric placed over a newly seeded garden will prevent the wind drying the top of the soil after watering. This fabric will also help protect seedlings from wind damage. Hopefully some of these ideas will help save you some money and water while caring for your landscape and gardens.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com