Gardening Tip:
Be Water-Wise
If you live in a hot, dry climate, you might try to make up for the lack of rain by watering your plants as much as possible. However, since many communities place strict limitations on the water supply, it only makes sense to look for less water-intensive ways to garden. One of the easiest ways to cut back on watering is to choose plants that don’t need much water. Cacti, aloe, and other succulents are obvious choices, but many other plants do just fine in the desert heat. We’ve suggested several popular choices in the list at the end of this article. Even the most drought-tolerant plants, however, can’t get by without some water. The best time of day to water is in the early morning. To make sure you don’t waste a drop, it’s a good idea to use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose. Both systems let the water run straight to the roots, rather than evaporating on the leaves or in the air. A thick layer of protective mulch will also help conserve moisture. If you’re willing to sacrifice some planting space, you may want to turn part of your yard into a patio, deck, or paved walkway. After all, a few containers placed around a deck require much less water and maintenance than a huge expanse of unused lawn.
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