{"id":3983,"date":"2016-11-17T18:01:34","date_gmt":"2016-11-17T23:01:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/homesteaderdepot.com\/?p=3983"},"modified":"2016-11-17T18:01:34","modified_gmt":"2016-11-17T23:01:34","slug":"watering-wisely-to-conserve-water-time-and-energy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/survivalhomesteader.net\/2016\/11\/17\/watering-wisely-to-conserve-water-time-and-energy\/","title":{"rendered":"Watering Wisely to Conserve Water, Time, and Energy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you get the water for your garden from rain collection or from the tap, you are going to want to conserve this precious resource as much as possible.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to run out, and you don\u2019t want to add unnecessary cost to your garden.\u00a0 You also don\u2019t want to have to take the time and energy to water your garden inefficiently since you have enough to do already.\u00a0 Here are a few tips on how to get the most of your water by watering wisely.<\/p>\n

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Check First<\/strong><\/p>\n

Check the soil to see if watering is necessary before you water.\u00a0 Just because the soil on the surface looks dry doesn\u2019t mean that your plants don\u2019t have access to water underneath.\u00a0 Poke your pointer finger into the soil, if you can\u2019t feel moisture at this depth then it\u2019s time to soak your soil.<\/p>\n

Soak Don\u2019t Spray<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you are watering your plants don\u2019t spray them with a blast of water that could disturb soil, damage leaves, and even kill seedlings.\u00a0 Soak the soil around the plants thoroughly with a gentle mist from a hose, or use a watering can that allows for a slow fine flow instead of a flood.<\/p>\n

Add Organic Material<\/strong><\/p>\n

Organic material improves soil structure, aids in water retention, and adds food for beneficial organisms.\u00a0 When your beds or rows are inactive,\u00a0dig in material like horse manure.\u00a0 This will feed worms and act like a sponge when watered.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to add manure under the soil surface in an active bed.<\/p>\n

Mulch<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mulching will provide a layer of insulation against evaporation while also adding organic material to the soil surface that worms will feed on and then carry into the soil naturally.\u00a0 A heavy layer of good mulch like straw or wood chips will greatly increase the amount of time between necessary watering.<\/p>\n

Timing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t water during the day, especially in the early afternoon.\u00a0 Evaporation rates are highest during this time.\u00a0 Watering in the early evening when the air has cooled and the sun is going down will allow the water the greatest amount of time to soak in.<\/p>\n

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I hope these tips help you save resources and time in your garden.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Whether you get the water for your garden from rain collection or from the tap, you are going to want to conserve this precious resource as much as possible.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to run out, and you don\u2019t want to add unnecessary cost to your garden.\u00a0 You also don\u2019t want to have to take the<\/p>\n