Get a "smart start" on your garden and lawn

Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release - April 22, 2004

04-070

Get a "smart start" on your garden and lawn - and save water, too

OLYMPIA - Across Washington, people are reveling in a spring that has been warmer, drier and sunnier than usual, prompting many to get an early start on landscaping and gardening.

But with the National Weather Service predicting warmer-than-normal weather for the rest of spring and summer, state officials are gearing up for possible drought declarations in parts or even all of the state. And homeowners are being advised to think carefully about their gardening practices.

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is asking gardeners and homeowners to remember to use water efficiently and, if planning new landscapes, to design them to have low or moderate water needs after they are established.

"As demands on our water supplies increase, we need to find ways to use our water wisely. If everyone can save a little bit, it can make a big difference for our communities, our farms and the environment," said Joe Stohr, who manages Ecology's water-resources program.

During the summer, nearly 40 percent of municipal water is used for outdoor irrigation. During peak summer days, outdoor water consumption can reach as much as 3,000 gallons a day per home.

These 10 landscaping tips for saving water can be applied to any site.

Plant right for the site. Select plants that grow well in the Northwest environment, including native plants. Local nurseries or garden clubs can help.
Choose pest- and drought-resistant plants. These plants help reduce water use and the need for pesticides.
Set the lawn mower at the right height. Setting the mower height at about two inches encourages deeper, healthier roots and helps retain moisture.
"Grasscycle" - leave the clippings when mowing. They help retain moisture and provide free fertilizer as they break down.
If water won't penetrate, try aerating or de-thatching. Aerating (poking holes) helps air and water get into the soil. If a thick layer of stems and surface roots (thatch) has built up, a de-thatching machine can remove that, or aeration will help, too.
Build healthy soil with compost. Rake a thin (1/4-inch) layer of compost into lawns after aerating. On new garden beds, mix in one to two inches of compost before planting.
Use landscape mulch. Spread a one- to three-inch layer of organic mulch like wood chips, bark, leaves or needles around trees and shrubs to conserve water, prevent weeds and build the soil. On flowerbeds and gardens, use compost, leaves or grass clippings as mulch.
Use an efficient irrigation system. Use a soaker hose or drip system on landscape beds to reduce evaporation and runoff. On lawns, run sprinklers in early morning or evening.
Water smart. Water slowly, or start and stop, so water has time to penetrate. Wait to water again until plants or lawn show signs of drooping - over-watering just promotes plant diseases.
Plan and design landscapes according to water, light and aesthetic needs. Group plants that have similar needs for water, sun and soil together for landscaping, then plan irrigation to give each group just what it needs and no more.

Residents can have a beautiful yard and garden without using a lot of water. Consider saving even more by going for the gold and let the lawn go golden during the summer months. These 10 water-saving tips will leave more water in Washington streams for people and wildlife - and result in significant savings on summer water bills, too!

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Contact: Curt Hart, Public Information Manager, 360-407-7139, or pager, 360-971-9610

For more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/drought/wtrcnsv.html