(April 14, 2023)

Spring weather is here, and the gardening season is beginning. Residentially, most of our water is used on the landscape. However, there are a few tricks to help reduce water waste without compromising the aesthetic value of your garden. 

1: Add and incorporate compost to the first six inches of soil. Compost is typically the best soil amendment in the garden. It can increase infiltration, reduce bulk and improve nutrient and water availability.

2: Reseed dead turfgrass areas with a more drought-tolerant variety, such as tall fescue.

3: Follow fertilizer recommendations. Over-fertilization can burn and stress plants and cause sudden plant growth without establishing a proper root system. These issues increase plant watering needs to improve their health. 

4: Plant perennials instead of annuals. Perennials typically have deeper rooting systems and require less water throughout the growing season. They can also help prevent erosion and improve soils. Find plants for your area here.

5: Wait to water. We’ve had an incredible winter, and most areas won’t need supplemental water until May. Our Weekly Lawn Watering Guide gives watering recommendations based on climate data. Check it weekly to find out how often and when to start watering.

6: Request or perform a water check. Water checks are a free service offered in many parts of the state that assess residential irrigation systems. A water check informs property owners how to improve their irrigation system and how long and often to run it. Water checks can be performed by a 

A) technician by scheduling an appointment or 

B) property owner by following the DIY instructions from USU Extension. 

Although we had an incredible winter, it’s important to take small steps each year to become more drought resilient and water efficient. We’re grateful for our snowpack and for the efforts Utahns have taken to ensure our water sources!