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Conserving Natural Resources
Water
Roughly 30% of the water used in urban areas in the East goes to irrigate plants, mostly lawns; in the West this figure is 60%! With droughts and water restrictions becoming more common, creating gardens that don't require much watering is becoming more important than ever.To use less water:
- Select plants that are adapted to your site (consider climate, soils, sunlight, and exposure).
- Cluster plants together and mulch them with compost to conserve moisture.
- Avoid planting or transplanting during the summer.
- Water in the early morning instead of mid-day so that less water evaporates.
- Water once deeply rather then several times lightly to encourage the development of deep roots.
- Use a rain gauge and timers to avoid over watering.
Soil
Contrary to what many people believe, there is only a limited quantity of soil and it takes many years to develop through the breakdown of rocks and the decomposition of organic matter. Soil can vary from several feet or more in the richest farm areas to less than an inch deep. In many areas in the country much of the soil has been lost through erosion, particularly from steep slopes and along river banks. To minimize erosion on slopes, plant ground covers or other plants close together and apply mulch until the plants fill in. Because of tremendous erosional forces along streams, avoid using lawn turf and other shallowly rooted plants. Instead, plant trees and shrubs whose roots will grow deep and intertwine and help to stabilize banks. Assistance in bank stabilization, revegetation can be obtained from your local watershed organization or conservation district.
Fossil Fuels
The energy to power landscape equipment usually comes from fossil fuels (e.g., coal, gas, oil) and the earth contains only a limited supply. You can reduce consumption while maintaining your garden by switching to hand tools and adopting other energy-saving landscaping practices, for example, natural landscape design, on-site composting, etc.