When landscaping, keep water use in mind

Water is such a precious resource for all of us. It doesn’t matter whether we’re on city water or a well, we should all do our part to conserve it.

With that in mind, the WSU Spokane County Master Gardeners will be holding their “Water Wise Landscaping” classes on the evenings of May 6 and 13 to give gardeners ideas about this important topic.

The first class, “Seven Steps to Water Wise Landscaping,” will cover how to create low-water-use zones, the selection of drought-tolerant plants and how to help your soil retain moisture.

In the second class, “Designing a Drip Irrigation System,” attendees will learn how to design and build an efficient watering system for their entire landscape.

Even though our water comes from a well, my husband and I are very mindful of our water usage. Since the long-range forecasts are calling for a hot, dry summer, now is the perfect to time put water-saving principles in place within your own landscape.

First, look at the type of watering you’re doing. If you are using overhead sprinklers, much of the water is evaporated before it even hits the plants. It also tends to hit pathways and sidewalks which is another water-waster.

Try adjusting your sprinklers so they only hit the planters and lawn. Drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses are more efficient because the water is applied to base of the plants, right where the roots can easily take it up.

The best time of day to water is in early morning. Less evaporation will take place and the plant leaves will have a chance to dry off before it gets hot.

Watering at midday will shock the leaves because of the temperature difference between the cold water and hot sun. Watering in the evening is risky because it makes it easier for insects to move about on plants and can provide the right environment for disease.

What about cutting back on the size of your lawn? When you think of it, lawns are resource hogs: they need a lot of water, mowing, edging, fertilizing and aerating.

Why not reduce the lawn size a bit and replace that area with a hardscape like a deck or patio?

A few years ago, we replaced our backyard lawn with large perennial beds, curving pathways and a covered deck. The beds require a fraction of the water our old lawn needed and the flower beds need a minimal amount of tending during the gardening season.

Adding organic matter to the soil in your flower beds and vegetable garden will increase the soil’s ability to retain moisture.

Many areas around Spokane have sandy soil which water runs right through. Slow down that water by adding things like compost and shredded leaves.

Placing a few inches of mulch on the surface of the soil is another way to help it hold in the moisture. A side benefit of the mulch is that it will help impede weed growth.

Last but not least, consider choosing drought-tolerant plants for your landscape. Many native plants need to be watered initially but will become drought-tolerant once they are established.

For plant ideas, visit the demonstration beds on the south side of the WSU Spokane County Extension office at 222 N. Havana St.