Water-wise gardening

Water conservation begins before the hose comes out. Plant choice, soil cover and irrigation timing can reduce demand without turning a garden into a dry landscape.

Group plants by water need

Plants with similar moisture requirements are easier to manage together. Avoid placing thirsty annuals throughout an otherwise drought-tolerant bed.

Water the root zone

Slow, deep watering encourages roots to explore a larger soil volume. Frequent shallow watering can keep roots close to the surface. Containers are the exception: because their soil volume is limited, they may need much more frequent checks.

Mulch exposed soil

Mulch reduces direct evaporation and moderates temperature swings. Keep it at a sensible depth and away from crowns and trunks.

Water earlier when practical

Morning watering can reduce evaporation compared with the hottest part of the day and leaves time for foliage to dry where overhead watering is used.

Fix the soil before increasing irrigation

If water runs off compacted ground or disappears instantly through poor container mix, adding more water is inefficient. Improve infiltration and organic matter first.

Last reviewed: September 2026.