Expert Tips to Conserve Water in Your Landscape and Garden

Spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner. It's that time of year when many residents across Hillsborough County are tending their yards, tidying their landscapes, and getting their gardens in gear.

With May being one of the driest months in Florida, it's important to adopt water-saving practices. Doing so can help you save money on your water bill, reduce water waste, and even create a more sustainable and resilient environment around your home.

Below are expert tips to help you conserve water while maintaining a healthy, flourishing landscape, garden, and yard.

Water conservation tips for your landscape, garden, and yard

• Homeowners should confirm that their irrigation systems are working properly. At least once a month, turn on your irrigation system and walk the zones to be sure sprinkler heads are not broken, misdirected, or leaking.
• Check that your irrigation system is NOT operating when it is raining. Specifically, verify that your rain-shut off device is working properly.
• If you are a high-water user and use 15,000 gallons per month or more, you may qualify for a free irrigation evaluation. Call UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519 for more information.

• Cluster plants together that share similar water and sun requirements. By hydrozoning your landscape, you can decrease the chances of over- and underwatering your plants.
• Decrease stormwater runoff from your yard by creating a rain garden in a low area of your landscape. Rain gardens collect rainwater runoff, allowing pollutants in the water to be filtered by plants. These gardens also help the ground reabsorb water.
• Mulch landscape beds to retain soil moisture. Mulch should be two to three inches deep after settling.
• Microirrigation is great for landscape beds. Compared to traditional inground irrigation systems, this option provides gallons of water per hour, not gallons per minute.
• Use a rain gauge to determine the amount of rainfall received. Aim for applying ½ to ¾ inch of water (irrigation or rainfall) per watering event. You can also do a catch can test to determine the amount of water your inground irrigation system is providing in each zone.
• Harvest rainwater using rain barrels for your nonedible plants and landscaping. Due to the chemical composition of roofs and the potential for water contamination, do not use rain barrel water for plants you intend to consume.
• Use drought tolerant groundcover plants instead of turfgrass where turf is not purposeful. For instance, turfgrass can be useful in play areas for children or pet areas for dogs. However, if the space is not being used, consider groundcover plants that require less water and maintenance.
• Grow drought-tolerant plants in your yard and landscape. These require minimal-to-no supplemental water after establishment.

Conserving water in your landscape, garden, and yard is important and can be easy, when done correctly. To learn more about water conservation and other tips for general yard care, visit the Hillsborough County Extension calendar of events to view upcoming workshops.

Hillsborough County Extension Service

Hillsborough County Extension Service is responsible for extending and implementing research-based information to the people of Hillsborough County. Extension provides education and information to county residents and businesses through workshops, publications, and mass media. The department partners with the University of Florida (UF) and the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Find more information at Hillsborough County Extension Service.