We are now moving into the middle of summer, and most of us in Southern California are probably wondering how hot it’s going to get between now and autumn. It’s been very warm several times already, and coming out of an abnormally dry winter many of us are feeling some urgency regarding how we are going to keep our lawns, our other plant life and perhaps the crops in our gardens happy, healthy and hydrated. This is much easier said than done given some of the water restrictions that are already being put into place and enforced, and homeowners want to make sure that they’re doing everything they can to water their yards without incurring enormous expenses.
The San Diego Union-Tribune recently ran a very informative article regarding strategies that will help you conserve water without having to sacrifice your lawn or anything else on your property.
1) Healthy Soil
Within a few inches of the surface, soil tend to clump together and form what almost seem like layers. Simply breaking the soil up so that it’s loose for at least 12 inches will provide for easier access for water and it will allow for easier growth potential for the roots of plants.
2) Plant Groupings
Almost anything will grow in the San Diego climate, and many people have a mixture of heavy-water plants and succulents. Putting these plants into logical groupings will lower the stress on plants and make your watering strategy much easier.
3) Lawn Species
Many people don’t really think about it until they own a home and a yard, but there are many different choices for species of grass. You should choose one that tends to hold up in dry conditions, as every summer in San Diego is going to involve some water challenges.
4) Mulching
Mulching may seem like a waste of time for many, but the fact of the matter is that mulch not only makes use of materials that would otherwise be discarded, but it also serves as almost a protective blanket for what sits below it. Mulch can also add nutrients to the soil.
5) Irrigation Plan
Finally, there are several different irrigation strategies that can help conserve water. Putting an irrigation system in will likely use less water than if you’re going to be spraying a hose. You can also make use of drip irrigation which can actually improve the growth of your plants and garden crops.
Overall, water shortage and conservation is just something we are all going to have to accept on some level. We live in a naturally dry area with millions of other people, and water is in high demand. If you would like to minimize the water you use while maximizing the success of your yard, contact the San Diego landscapers at Juniper Landscape Company today to schedule an initial meeting.