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Apr
6

Grow on the Go; Watering Tips for Easy Growing

written by Sherpa Guy

For easy growing, do you know how your water is used…grownthego.com uses very little water!

Green Sherpa Grow On The Go

Water Usage As recorded by the US Geological Society.   This is worth going to this site and just see how the US uses its precious water, excellent site and articles, click on the summary line below.

Summary of water use in the USA in 2000

The Drip Irrigation System for easy growing  is the ultimate in water conservation as described previously.   Use the system and you will not only be helping save $$$$ on your water bill but also help save the precious water we have on this planet.   As I said earlier only 1% of the world’s water supply is drinkable, this number is shrinking and the planet populace is expanding.   Now is the time that YOU can help the planet.    I’ve added a few more tips in this section for your interest and added a section at the end that shows the breakdown of water usage in the US as recorded by the US Geological Survey (USGS).  It will open your eyes!

Summary of Water Usage Links

Water your lawn only when it needs it.
A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3″) will also promote water retention in the soil.     Deep-soak your lawn long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. Put an empty tuna can on your lawn – when it’s full, you’ve watered about the right amount. Doing this means you cut the grass less so less CO2 into the environment and more leisure time for you.   Oh and by the way if you do feed your lawn do it in the fall not the spring unless you want to spend more time cutting your grass!

Water during the early parts of the day; avoid watering when it’s windy.
Early morning is generally better than dusk preventing the growth of fungus. Early watering, and late watering, also reduce water loss to evaporation. Watering early in the day is also the best defense against slugs and other garden pests. Try not to water when it’s windy – wind can blow sprinklers off target and speed evaporation.

Add organic matter.
Adding organic material to your soil will help increase its absorption and water retention. Areas which are already planted can be ‘top dressed’ with compost or organic matter.  Use an ‘Earth Machine’, a simple composter that decomposes all your vegetable waste, grass and leaves.  Requires NO intervention from YOU other than adding your waste!
Use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns.
You can greatly reduce the amount of water used for shrubs, beds and lawns with strategic placement of soaker hoses, rain barrel water catchment systems and simple drip-irrigation systems. A watering meter can be easily added to your hose to monitor water usage to required needs. Avoid over-watering plants and shrubs, as this can actually diminish plant health and cause yellowing of the leaves. For long-term water savings, consider adding moisture-retaining lassenite to your lawn and shrub beds.

Plant drought-resistant shrubs and plants
Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species. Replace herbaceous perennial borders with native plants. Native plants will use less water and be more resistant to local plant diseases.   Plant slopes with plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff.

Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants
Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth. Adding 2 – 4 inches of organic material such as compost or bark mulch will increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture.

Don’t water the pavement or sidewalk
Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas. Also, avoid watering on windy days.

Don’t run the hose while washing your car
Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing – this simple practice can save as much as 150 gallons when washing a car. Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of water. Better yet, use a waterless car washing system; there are several brands, such as EcoTouch, which are now on the market.

Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks

Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings
Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they’re not as visible. But they can be just as wasteful as leaks indoors. Check frequently to keep them drip-free. Use hose washers at spigots and hose connections to eliminate leaks.   Use timers to water your garden so you don’t forget to put the hose off!

Finally saving water and growing your own plants is a snap with my Grow on the Go drip irrigation system.  It works like a dream and you use very little water.  Try my Grow on the Go system for easy growing and even develop your own kitchen garden

Water conservation comes naturally when everyone in the family is aware of its importance, and parents take the time to teach children some of the simple water-saving methods around the home which can make a big difference

The Drip Irrigation System is the ultimate in water conservation as described previously. Use the system and you will not only be helping save $$$$ on your water bill but also help save the precious water we have on this planet. As I said earlier only 1% of the world’s water supply is drinkable, this number is shrinking and the planet populace is expanding. Now is the time that YOU can help the planet. I’ve added a few more tips in this section for your interest and added a section at the end that shows the breakdown of water usage in the US as recorded by the US Geological Survey (USGS). It will open your eyes!

Water your lawn only when it needs it.
A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3″) will also promote water retention in the soil. Deep-soak your lawn long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. Put an empty tuna can on your lawn – when it’s full, you’ve watered about the right amount. Doing this means you cut the grass less so less CO2 into the environment and more leisure time for you. Oh and by the way if you do feed your lawn do it in the fall not the spring unless you want to spend more time cutting your grass!


Water during the early parts of the day; avoid watering when it’s windy.
Early morning is generally better than dusk preventing the growth of fungus. Early watering, and late watering, also reduce water loss to evaporation. Watering early in the day is also the best defense against slugs and other garden pests. Try not to water when it’s windy – wind can blow sprinklers off target and speed evaporation.

Add organic matter.

Adding organic material to your soil will help increase its absorption and water retention. Areas which are already planted can be ‘top dressed’ with compost or organic matter. Use an ‘Earth Machine’, a simple composter that decomposes all your vegetable waste, grass and leaves. Requires NO intervention from YOU other than adding your waste!

Use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns.

You can greatly reduce the amount of water used for shrubs, beds and lawns with strategic placement of soaker hoses, rain barrel water catchment systems and simple drip-irrigation systems. A watering meter can be easily added to your hose to monitor water usage to required needs. Avoid over-watering plants and shrubs, as this can actually diminish plant health and cause yellowing of the leaves. For long-term water savings, consider adding moisture-retaining lassenite to your lawn and shrub beds.

Plant drought-resistant shrubs and plants
Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species. Replace herbaceous perennial borders with native plants. Native plants will use less water and be more resistant to local plant diseases. Plant slopes with plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff.

Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants
Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth. Adding 2 – 4 inches of organic material such as compost or bark mulch will increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture.

Don’t water the pavement or sidewalk
Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas. Also, avoid watering on windy days.

Don’t run the hose while washing your car
Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing – this simple practice can save as much as 150 gallons when washing a car. Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of water. Better yet, use a waterless car washing system; there are several brands, such as EcoTouch, which are now on the market.

Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks

Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings
Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they’re not as visible. But they can be just as wasteful as leaks indoors. Check frequently to keep them drip-free. Use hose washers at spigots and hose connections to eliminate leaks. Use timers to water your garden so you don’t forget to put the hose off!

Water conservation comes naturally when everyone in the family is aware of its importance, and parents take the time to teach children some of the simple water-saving methods around the home which can make a big difference

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