by Sheri Fresonke Harper

Created on: February 21, 2009

As the drought in the United States continues and population demands increase, it becomes more and more important to conserve on the amount of water used in maintaining your yard and garden. Saving water will save on your water bill. Finding conservative ways to water your garden can also promote growth and minimize your garden tasks. Overall, using water saving yard and garden gear will be a real winner, check out these types of gear and consider buying them for your home.

Soaker and Drip Hoses

Soaker and drip hoses use less water to water your plants because the water seeps in directly into the roots of the plant and less will evaporate into the air. They can be less visible, last longer, but might cost more initially to buy.

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels collect and store water that runs off your house. Use rain barrel water to fertilize your plants with fertilizers that dissolve. This promotes growth, saves on public water, reduces waste water runoff and can save you money. Be sure to keep you rain barrel in a shady environment and covered to keep out insects that breed in standing water like mosquitoes.

Faucet, Sprinkler and Spray Nozzle Gaskets

Replace faucet gaskets regularly to ensure that your outdoor water faucets aren't leaking. Faucet gaskets ensure a tight fit and that water goes where you want it to. Gaskets costs pennies.

Spray Nozzles

Use a spray nozzle that shuts off water except when you want to use it to wash vehicles, clean sidewalks, or water plants.

Plant Drip Bottles

Plant drip bottles keep water from evaporating, save you time watering, and seep water directly to a plants roots where it needs it.

Water Meters

Water meters help measure the amount of water you've used when water your lawn or garden and takes the guess work out of whether or not you've watered enough.

Faucet Timers

Faucet timers can minimize the amount of time spent watering your yard by automating the task. You can set them to run at night so that less water evaporates. You can also set a duration so that you only water as long as needed. Beware though, relying solely on faulty faucet timers can cost you a lot of money, check them regularly.

Most of these water-saving yard and garden gear items will save you money, reduce your time and energy spent watering, and promote healthy plant growth. I've used most of these items in my own yard and garden and have been very happy with results.

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