Conservation Corner
Water Wisely
According to the Maryland Department of the Environment, large areas of the state are under a drought warning. "While there are currently no statewide water shortages or restrictions, three consecutive years of dry weather and recent lower-than-average rainfall amounts mean voluntary water conservation by homeowners and businesses is encouraged."
“Every drop counts when it comes to the smart use of water,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “We all play a role in protecting our water supply, our ecosystems, and our economy. By voluntarily conserving water today, we can avoid stricter mandates in the future.”
Fear not! There are many ways to conserve water and keep your landscape happy healthy, according to the University of Maryland Extension such as:
Water conservation practices
In our warming world, gardeners may need to water more carefully to keep plants healthy and thriving, while also being mindful that water resources are limited. Making gardens and landscapes more resilient to dry conditions can be approached in two broad ways:
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Reduce the need for watering in the first place. This can be done with good soil management practices to hold rainwater in the soil longer, thoughtful selection of drought-tolerant plants, management of runoff, and capturing and holding rainwater on-site for later use.
- When irrigation is needed, use practices to minimize water waste. This includes monitoring soil moisture level, mulching, timing and targeting your watering to top-priority plants, and using water-conserving irrigation equipment only as needed.
For more information and suggestions about creating a Water Wise landscape check out their website here.
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