How to save on water bill is a constant concern for garden owners like us. Though water is essential, it doesn’t mean that it must cost us a fortune. If you’re not yet aware, I’m gonna introduce you to some water-efficient gardening practices.
Here are some tips on how to save on water bill especially now as we approach the Summer season.
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Smart Tips on How to Save on Water Bill
Smart Tip #1: Fix the Faucet
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The simplest and most basic tip I can give you is to never allow the faucet water to run freely. Regularly check your water line (pipe, hose, faucets, etc.) for leaks. Fixing this could save you as much as 100L per day.
Pro Tip: Install an aerator to reduce the water flow without sacrificing efficiency and performance.
Smart Tip #2: Collect Rainwater
@jonlamazing
Nature provides us with a free source of water! Consider investing in some sturdy rain barrels you can attach to your downspouts. You can build your own, if you’re cost-cutting. With a 5 gal rain barrel, you can collect up to 200L of water within one growing season.
Warning: Some states have specific restriction rules about rainwater collection.
Smart Tip #3: Reuse Household Greywater
If you’re a family of four, imagine how much greywater (water from the shower, laundry, and kitchen) you produce and just let go to waste?
Collect grey water from your kitchen or shower using small buckets. If you’re looking at automating things, you can install a greywater collecting system, which reroutes water from your drains to your garden plants.
In reusing of greywater, it is important to note that you should shift to using plant-friendly soaps and detergents.
Smart Tip #4: Compost Food Scraps
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I can’t stress further the value of composting in the garden. Adding compost to your garden soil will help it to absorb and retain water and their much-needed nutrients.
Additionally, proper disposal of kitchen wastes can save multiple liters of water in the long run.
Smart Tip #5: Choose Plants Native in Your Area
Some plant varieties are more well suited in your local environment. They have thrived in your area with the current conditions resources including water. Choose drought-resistant over herbaceous plants as much as possible.
Smart Tip #6: Let the Grass Grow
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When mowing your lawn, adjust your equipment to allow at least 2 inches of growth. Taller grass will help avoid faster evaporation and develop a deeper root system.
Smart Tip #7: Water Plants Appropriately
@goodhomething
- Use sprinklers for the lawn, grass, and areas with great coverage like hedges.
- Seep hoses are best for plants in row beds with compact soil.
- Utilize watering cans around plant bases beneath the leaves or .where precision is more important for the plant’s growth.
- Use an automated irrigation system to allow water to trickle into growing areas only when needed.
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Smart Tip #8: Cover the Base With Mulch
Mulch traps water moisture in the soil. At the same time, the mulch covering prevents the growth of unwanted weeds which competes with your plants in getting water and soil nutrients.
Smart Tip #9: Water at the Right Time
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Timing definitely has an impact on the amount of water you use in your garden.
- Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
- Try not to water when the wind is blowing strong to slow down evaporation.
- Water long and deep for the moisture to soak down the roots.
- Measure the rainfall using a rain gauge and add water accordingly.
Smart Tip #10: Plant Strategically to Maximize Water Use
Give your garden planning enough time! It will help you save in the long run. For instance, grouping together plants with similar water needs.
You can also try xeriscaping to save on water use. This way, you only need to water certain plants regularly, while you can water drought-resistant crops less frequently.
Smart Tip #11: Include Some Trees for Shade
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Aside from making your surrounding cooler and clearing most carbon in the air, trees provide shades to your plants. Growing trees help conserve water in the garden.
Smart Tip #12: Water Saving Container
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Your choice of pot container for your plants will have an effect on your water conservation efforts. For one, a metal container will heat up pretty easily and thus needs constant watering.
A porous clay planter, on the other hand, tends to absorb water moisture from the soil. If possible, go for moisture retaining containers such as ceramic, glazed, and plastic pots. Larger planters also retain more moisture than smaller ones.
Smart Tip #13: Get to Know Your Plants
The best gardener’s advice I can give you is to get to know the plants in your garden. By understanding their requirements and behaviors, you can recognize signs of dehydration and act accordingly. You can do a lot of planning and interventions based on what you know about the plants.
Watch this video from Jenni.Swiss on how to reuse water from the garden sink:
Those mentioned above are just some of the efficient ways on how to save on water bill. If you’ve noticed, they’re mostly about changing our attitude towards the basic activities we do at home. By shifting our habits, we can get more out of life and save water!
What’s more amazing is that these are just water conservation tips for gardening. You can explore several ideas on how to save water in different parts of the house.
Do you have other tips on how to save on your water bill? Let us know in the comments below.
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