Landscaping during a drought has become something that we’ve had to become accustomed to in the Central Valley. While we all appreciate having a gorgeous yard, we also must appreciate our need to respect the environment and be good stewards of the Earth. But how can we have the attractive landscape we desire and still do our part to protect the environment while landscaping during a drought?

Here are a few tips for landscaping during a drought:

1. Reduce the size of your lawn

Green grass is a part of our landscape that we all appreciate, but it’s also well-known to require the most maintenance and water. One simple way to alleviate the stress during a drought it to simply reduce your lawn to a smaller size to help eliminate waste and save water.

2. Plant Annuals in Pots

If you choose your pots wisely and avoid darker, more porous planters, planting in pots will save you more water than if planted in your garden bed. Be careful to select the right potting mix to help retain the correct moisture levels and prevent water waste.

3. Check irrigation

Take the time to check your irrigation systems for any issues and make the needed adjustments. Using a soaker hose or a drip system will provide water directly to the soil and roots and reduce runoff and evaporation. You can also decrease the risk of fungal diseases.

4. Add bark or mulch to your landscape

Adding bark to your yard will help retain water in your flower beds. 2-3 inches of mulch will shield the ground from direct sun and keep the soil cooler and reduces weeds. More information on mulch here: http://luisnursery.com/mulching-a-guide-to-summer-mulch-to-help-fight-drought/

5. Group plants by water needs

Planting efficiently is a great way to have a leg up with water conservation. Grouping together plants with similar water requirements will help reduce water waste and keep plants healthier by preventing over or under watering.

6. Remove overcrowded plants

A crowded bed will dry out quicker because too many plants are competing for moisture from the soil. This competition leads to you having to increase your watering and the stress makes them more prone to disease.

7. Stick to watering guidelines

Check your city guidelines regarding watering days. (https://www.visalia.city/depts/administration/water_conservation/watering_schedule_n_rules/watering_schedule.asp)If you water deeply once a week, it’s better than less more often. This would help you establish a deeper root system and sustain plants during hot, dry times. Another benefit is that you will lose less water to evaporation.

8. Get rid of weeds

Weeds are thieves. Weeds steal moisture that your plants need and cause water waste. Weeding is not our favorite thing to do but it’s important. Weeds compete for resources that your plants need such as sunlight, nutrients, and water. Less competition is less stress and less water needed for your plants.

9. Deadhead your flowers

Spent blooms should be removed before they have time to go to seed. Producing seeds requires energy, which requires more water. Taking the few seconds to deadhead your flowers will save you time and money in the long run.

10. Back off the fertilizer

Fertilizer has its place, but during a drought it should be avoided. Fertilizer encourages growth and growth increases water needs. The increased salt in the fertilizer can also build up in the soil due to the lack of natural leaching from rain and irrigation and burn plant roots.

Taking the time to check your gardening habits will help you to be set up for success and do your part in preventing water waste during a drought. By utilizing these few simple tips and making some adjustments you can do your part to help ease the stress on the environment while still having a beautiful yard you will enjoy.