Water Conservation

Why Conserve Water?

Paying attention to the amount of water we use in our homes and landscapes is important for the health of our communities and our gardens. Utah is the second driest state in the nation. It is surprising to know that our per capita water consumption levels are at 290 gallons/day/person - the second highest in the nation, and far above the national average of 180 gallons/day/person!

While it is important for us to use moderate amounts of water in our gardens,
we also recognize that vegetable plants need certain water levels in order to produce the desired harvest. It is our philosophy that it best serves our needs and the needs of our gardens to understand the requirements of our plants and water accordingly.

How Much Is Enough?

Your crops will need varying levels of water at different times of the growing season. On average, gardens need 1-2 inches of water per week. This level varies depending on the weather and time of year. Water will be lost to evaporation and transpiration when the sun is out and the temperature is high. Because of this, we suggest watering in the early morning, so that the soil has a chance to absorb water before the sun comes out.

Remember, the watering needs of your plants will change as the weather changes. Be prepared to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. You will need to water more often when you first plant your seedlings and during the heat of the summer. Reduce watering when it has been raining. Overwatering can be just as harmful to your plants and soil as underwatering.

Most vegetable plants grow stronger root systems when they are watered deeply over evenly-spaced intervals. Watering a little bit each day encourages shallow root growth and hardpan in the soil, especially in our dry climate. Allowing your soil to dry completely before watering again will reduce fungus and disease in your soil. A good test for soil moisture is to stick your finger a couple of inches below the surface. If it is moist, your plants will not need watering.

There are more sophisticated ways to test the moisture level of your soil. Some soil moisture meters are highly advanced, but tend to be high in cost. A soil probe will take a vertical sample of your soil, showing you how far down water is penetrating after watering. Measuring the amount of water you use per week is also wise. A container can easily be placed outside when watering. By measuring the amount of water in the container, you can determine if you need to increase or decrease the amount of water that you are providing your garden.

Mulching

One of the best ways to reduce water consumption is to reduce your need for water. Covering your plot with a straw or leaf mulch will help your plants grow by conserving moisture, keeping weeds down, and adding organic material to your soil. Smart gardeners don't go without mulch! Commonly used organic mulches include straw, leaves, grass clippings, hay, pine needles and even newspaper. Another way to keep your soil cool is to plant your crops close together. This creates a microclimate where plants protect the soil and each other from the sun.

Studies have shown that healthy soil retains moisture longer than compacted, lifeless soil. The time you spend making sure that your soil is full of life-giving organic matter and plenty of nutrients will benefit your crops and most importantly, save water.

Mulch Materials - Advantages and Disadvantages

• Straw/Hay - Cheap, readily available, adds organic matter. May contain weed seed, insects, disease/mold

• Leaves - Readily Available, free, rich in nutrients Can mat down, be too acidic, may contain pesticide residue (be careful to avoid using leaves from black walnut trees, as they contain hydrojuglone, a chemical that kills other plants)

• Grass Clippings - Free, easy to apply, good source of nitrogen. Can mat down, may contain weed seeds or herbicide residue.

• Pine Needles - Good way to lower pH, easy to apply. May be too acidic for some soils.

• Newspaper - Easy to obtain & apply, earthworms love it. Decomposes quickly, must be weighted down or it will blow away.

• Plastic - Not recommended, except to kill invasive plants. Expensive, unattractive, may sterilize soil, must be weighted down.

Drip Irrigation

The gardens operated by Wasatch Community Gardens have drip irrigation systems. By slowly applying water at the base of the plant (where it's needed the most), over a longer period of time, drip irrigation allows us to water deeply without wasting water. Water that is sprayed overhead with a hose or sprinkler will be lost to evaporation and might burn the leaves of your plants on sunny days.

Drip irrigation also drastically reduces the amount of topsoil lost to erosion from
overhead sprinkling systems or conventional irrigation. Fewer weeds crop up with drip irrigation because water is being applied to the plants you want to encourage, rather than the entire garden.

Resources:

1. Jordan Valley Water Conservation District (801) 565-8903, www.jvwcd.org

2. Colorado State Cooperative Extension www.colostate.edu/depts/coopext/

3. Western Regional Climate Center www.wrcc.dri.edu

4. How to Grow More Vegetables (than you ever thought possible) pp. 68-73, John Jeavons, Ten Speed Press, 1995.