Smart Watering

A xeriscape can be watered efficiently by hand. This means it uses the least amount of water necessary for plants and doesn’t waste water. It can also be watered with an automatic sprinkler system. If using a sprinkler, make sure it doesn’t throw water high in the air or put out a fine mist of water. These types of sprinklers waste water by missing the plants and by allowing more water to evaporate or get heated into a gas by the sun. Sprinklers should cover just the garden—not sidewalks, driveways or other paved areas. The most efficient sprinklers put out big drops of water and keep them close to the ground. This is called drip irrigation. The best time to water plants is in the mornings when it’s still cool. Water only when needed. Over-watering can kill plants and waste water.

Learn more about watering your garden http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/firstgarden/basics/thirsty.html