Recession Gardening
(Page 2 of 2)
June 26, 2009
Courtesy Kern Communications
● Identify and rectify irrigation problems. By keeping an eye on the condition of your irrigation system, including leaks, overspray, broken heads, incorrect water pressure and trajectory problems, you can reduce your water costs while also avoiding water damage to your home and hardscape.
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● Apply a ground cover mulch to cut down on weeds – and the need to purchase weed killers and the time to apply – and also water usage. Ground cover mulch creates a barrier so weed seed has a hard time germinating. It also adds organic matter to your soil and insulates the ground, which reduces the soil temperature and evaporation of soil moisture.
● Select drought tolerant plants. These plants, like the Mediterranean and native variety, will use less water and can require little maintenance.
● Put the right plant in the right spot. Install plants that can grow to maturity where they are planted with minimal care or pruning. Such “zone appropriate” planting will ensure the plant or tree won’t outgrow its space and need to be frequently pruned or, worse, relocated at risk of losing the plant all together.
● Apply fertilizer modestly. Fertilize only as needed based on the requirements of your individual plants. If you have good soil, some of your plants may need little or no fertilizer. Not only is over-fertilizing expensive and time consuming, it can also require more water and cause excessive growth resulting in increased maintenance needs. An over-abundance of nitrogen and other fertilizer ingredients can also readily kill the plant material on which it was applied.
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