Sunday, October 10, 2010

How To Save Water In Home and Garden

Set your lawn sprinklers so that they only water the grass


Save water by replacing your high-maintenance, water-thirsty lawn. Drought-resistant varieties of grass such as El Toro Zoysia require less water after they are fully established than other grass varieties. El Toro Zoysia grass needs to be watered about once a week to stay green, is shade-tolerant and withstands trampling. Buffalo grass is also drought-resistant, and only requires a deep watering about once a month to keep its blades green and beautiful. Buffalo grass needs full sun and does best in dry areas. 

However, if you really want to save water in your yard, plant a clover lawn or add clover to your existing lawn. Clover is drought-resistant and only needs water every week or so due to its long roots which can reach ground water. Clover also helps to fertilize your lawn by fixing nitrogen in the soil, reducing the amount of care your lawn needs. When you do water your lawn, set the sprinklers so that they don't water the pavement
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Save water by watering your lawn less frequently and mowing it higher



Let your lawn grow during the summer. When you do break out the lawn mower, cut it to about three inches. Water your lawn as infrequently as possible. This will allow the grass roots to grow where they can reach ground water, while still keeping your lawn green and lush. You can save even more water by watering your grass in the early morning and evening when it's cooler.

Also, consider allowing your grass to go dormant. To make the grass go dormant, water it only every three weeks during the summer. Don't succumb to the temptation to water more frequently just because the grass looks a little brown, or you will break the dormant cycle.

Save water by growing a xeriscape garden

Plant a water-saving xeriscape garden. You can create a xeriscape garden by using only native plants and plants that thrive on in your local climate. Xeriscape gardens require very little water and can often subsist on local rainfall. Check with your local nursery to see which drought-resistant plants are best for your area. Group plants together in your garden by the amount of water and sun they need

Invest in a rain water barrel. Rain water barrels come in a variety of materials. They help you to save money on your water bill by storing water that would otherwise go to waste. You can buy them fully assembled or in kits that you assemble yourself. A wooden rain water barrel will make a more natural and rustic addition to your home, whereas a plastic rain barrel will last longer and require less maintenance. For the best savings, get several rain water barrels and attach them to the downspouts around your home. Use them to water plants and your lawn throughout the summer.



Installing rain water barrels will help you to save on your water bill


Invest in a rain water barrel. Rain water barrels come in a variety of materials. They help you to save money on your water bill by storing water that would otherwise go to waste. You can buy them fully assembled or in kits that you assemble yourself. A wooden rain water barrel will make a more natural and rustic addition to your home, whereas a plastic rain barrel will last longer and require less maintenance. For the best savings, get several rain water barrels and attach them to the downspouts around your home. Use them to water plants and your lawn throughout the summer.



Save water easily by installing faucet aerators


Install faucet aerators in every faucet in your home. Faucet aerators help you to save water by mixing air with the water stream. This reduces water flow without reducing water pressure. Faucet aerators are available for sink faucets and for showers. Low flow faucet aerators can reduce your water flow to 2.75 gallons per minute or less. Spray faucet aerators cause water to spray outward for maximum coverage. They often come with a swivel head. Dual spray faucet aerators can be adjusted so the water flows either in a spray or a straight stream. These faucet aerators can save a lot of water when you and the kids come in to wash up after outdoor summer play.


-credit to www.ehow.com-

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