by Pamela Kay

Created on: February 22, 2009

Water is essential to all life, so even in areas where it is plentiful; it makes sense to use this resource wisely, not only to save money but also to ensure the next generation will have enough to thrive as we have. Utilizing the following water-saving yard and garden gear will assist in doing both.

*Mulch

When it comes to saving water the best defensive gear is good mulch on your garden, in your beds and under trees and shrubs. Using between 2 and 3-inches of mulch will dramatically cut the amount of water lost to evaporation: up to 70%. This means big savings in water as well as money

*Well Maintained Soaker Hoses

Soaker or drip hoses are more efficient, in getting the water where you want it in a garden, than are sprinklers, but no matter how well they work, if you don't maintain them and use good gaskets, you'll still waste water. Check your hoses often for cracks, tears and leaks that aren't supposed to be there. Just one small leak can cost you up to 3 gallons a day. Check this out: http://www.wtmua.com/Fix%20that%20leaky%20faucet.htm

*Sensible Lawn Sprinklers

When it comes to greening your lawn, soaker or drip hoses aren't very useful but you can still save money and water by using a sensible sprinkler, such as the adjustable Gardena's Aqua Zoom 350/T. Whatever brand you use, be sure it's adjustable in height as well as width to prevent watering driveways and sidewalks.

*Milk Jugs And 2-liter Bottles

Armed with no gear but a clean milk jug or 2-liter bottle of water, you can put that precious commodity where it's needed most with out wasting a drop. Simply fill the jug with water, replace the cap, punch a tiny hole in a bottom corner and place it next to the plant you wish to water. Loosen the cap until the water begins a slow drip and forget about it.

For larger water loving plants, you can bury a milk jug or 2-liter bottle, with a small hole in the bottom side, near the plant as you place it in the ground. Leave the lid end above ground and simply remove the cap and fill with water as needed. This promotes deeper root growth than watering from ground level and does an excellent job of stopping evaporation. See an example here: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/35/217778728_32e5045f 89.jpg

*Watering Hose Faucet Timers and Gauges

Water gauges attach to the faucet and the hose attaches to it. This smart gear tells you how much water you have used at each watering.

For under $35.00, you can stop worrying about missing your scheduled watering time with this battery operated, easy to use hose faucet timer. No more getting up in the wee hours of the morning to water your garden or lawn due to restricted watering times. Just set this great little piece of lawn and garden gear and forget it. Check it out here: http://www.nextag.com/Battery_-_Operated-Hose-Faucet -Timer/products-html

*Water Harvesters

Whether you use a simple rain barrel under your drain spout or a more elaborate underground system, harvesters of rainwater are good gear for any homeowner. Initial set-up doesn't need to be expensive and the use of free rainwater will recoup the cost quickly.

*Water Retaining Soil Additives

The US Forestry Service has used water-retaining crystals, sold under the name of Plant Gel, for over 35 years to amend the soil in arid areas where plant life was low and erosion was a problem. Non-toxic and biodegradable, these little crystals catch and hold 400 times their weight in rainwater and last for 5 to 7 years. http://www.seedman.com/plantge.htm

Smart utilization of water-saving yard and garden gear will prevent watering from becoming a big or expensive hassle. By implementing these ideas, you can cut your water cost dramatically as well as the time you spend giving your lawn and garden a refreshing drink.

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