The Green X-Files…

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Xeriscaping is a way to garden using a minimum of water and energy. The following techniques are a must in dry-weather climes, but also provide useful guidelines for environmentally conscious gardeners everywhere.

Group plants by their water needs. When possible, put high-need plants in naturally wetter areas of your property.

Test your soil. Add organic matter when necessary - maybe from your own compost pile - to increase your soil’s water-holding capacity.

Limit your lawn. Grass is a water hog, so limit the amount of lawn in your yard. For those plots that remain, try varieties that don’t use much water.

Mulch. Cover plant beds with composted leaves or grass to help retain moisture.

Plant native species. Plants that have evolved in your area’s climate are more naturally adapted to its water conditions.

Grow Green & Save Water Facing a drought this summer? Live in an arid region? You can still cultivate that green thumb! Consider xeriscaping, which involves gardening in a way that uses less water than traditional landscaping. By choosing plants that are drought-tolerant or native to the area you can save water and have a yard that is easy to maintain.

cactus flower

Mix compost or peat moss into the soil before planting to help the soil retain water. If your yard is sloped, reduce water runoff with terraces and retaining walls.

Limit the amount of area devoted to grass. Plant ground covers, native shrubs, and add rock gardens.

Choose from among the many types of low water-using trees, shrubs, flowers, and ground covers. Many need watering only in the first year or two after planting.

Install drip or trickle irrigation systems in areas that need watering. These systems use water efficiently and are available at garden centers.

Use mulches like pine needles, shredded bark or leaves in a layer three inches deep to keep soil moist, smother weeds, and prevent erosion.

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