The Lehigh Valley has been in a severe drought. Here are some New Year’s Resolution water-saving tips when gardening.

Hopefully with sufficient rain and snow this winter, we may be able to gradually restore our groundwater.

Drought or no drought, these tips will save you time, money and water

Efficient water use is especially important during the hot summer months when as much as 50 percent of home water use is for watering lawns and gardens.

Water-efficient gardening includes basic principles that are easy to employ while they increase the value of your home.

Grouping Plants

Water-smart planning starts with grouping plants according to water, sun and soil requirements, and ends with reduced maintenance through the use of simple and continuous edges.

Keeping a clean separation between turf and plantings will allow for easier adjustment of irrigation patterns. It will also minimize the time spent mowing and will reduce the potential for damage to plantings that have grown too close to the lawn.

Sensible Lawn Areas

If lawn is installed, consider using a drought-, disease-, or wear-tolerant variety. Place it where it can be watered and maintained efficiently.

Avoid placing lawns on slopes or in areas that are unused or are hard to maintain.

Plant Selection

Use native and-or adapted plants that will enhance the site and minimize long-term water consumption while keeping weeds and pests to a minimum.

Appropriate Irrigation

Group plants into high, moderate and low water-using zones.

High-tech watering systems make watering easier, but not necessarily more efficient. If you install an automatic system, be sure to adjust for seasonal changes and consider using a rain or soil sensing shut-off switch.

Soil Preparation

Adding renewable forms of organic matter enhances the water-holding capacity and improves soil texture.

Use of Mulches

Use of organic (living and otherwise) and-or inert mulches reduces water evaporation, erosion and weed growth, while enhancing site aesthetics.

Appropriate Maintenance

All landscapes require regular maintenance.

Pruning, efficient watering, and pest control will keep plants healthy and your water bill lower.

Weed regularly since weeds compete with your grass for water and nutrients.

Fertilizer only the minimum amount needed. Extra fertilizer actually increases water consumption.

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels capture the rain and store it for later use on-site.

Rain barrels are a simple and effective way to handle water that would normally run off into storm water systems.

Harvesting the water from a nice heavy rain allows you to water plants deeply, optimizing their health and vigor.

You can purchase rain barrels, or you can make your own. For information on making your own rain barrel:

https://extension.psu.edu/rain-barrel-construction-guide for materials needed and instructions.

Happy New Year and Happy Gardening!

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613