Resources
See our Facebook feed below for relevant conservation tips, information, and opportunities to save water, so that we can all do our part to conserve this precious resource.
A reliable source of water is important to keep a garden thriving. Whether you’re able to have a drip irrigation system set up for your garden or you're watering by hand, it’s best to adjust your watering practices as your vegetables grow. When your veggies are young, you want to water frequently but not very deeply because the roots are young and small.
Shallow, frequent watering will be needed at the beginning to keep the soil and seed moist, encourage germination, and prevent the soil from crusting. As plants start to take root, begin watering less frequently but for longer times to encourage strong, deep roots. The watering depth and time ultimately depend on the vegetables being grown and the soil type in the garden.
Remember, when it rains you can avoid watering for 5 or so days depending on how much native soil you are using. Use the Landscape Watering Guide to make a plan for your garden: bit.ly/3l93MX9
Soil is very important when planting a garden! We recommend amending with compost, which reintroduces valuable nutrients to the soil. About a week before you plant anything in the soil, mix in some compost and then let the soil sit.
Avoid planting invasive species in your landscape. Unsure what is considered invasive? Check out this list: bit.ly/3AQtXce
When selecting a place to put a garden at your home, it’s best to consider where the sun will be for the plants! A location that gets sun from the East and some shade from the sun when it’s in the west is ideal. Also, avoid planting too close to a wall; constant moisture near the base of a building or a cement wall can be damaging to the foundation.
Cover plants with cloth or paper (not plastic) to insulate. You can use sheets or blankets for minimal protection or use a frost cloth. A properly applied frost cloth can protect plants at temperatures down to 30 F, some down as low as 20 F depending on the fabric and the weave. Completely drape the plant from top all the way to the ground. Do not allow any openings for warmth to escape. This procedure will trap the heat radiating from the soil and maintain a more humid atmosphere around the plant foliage. Optimally, the drape will be supported by a frame which does not allow it to touch the foliage. DO NOT gather the drape around the trunk of the tree. The goal is to trap heat being radiated from the ground, so ensure that the drape touches the ground at least as far out as the drip line.
For more information read this guide on protecting plants from frost damage: bit.ly/4gSdU20
You'd be surprised at how many things can grow in our environment during the winter season. We encourage residents to experiment with home gardens while also practicing water conservation. Follow the campaign this month to learn what you can grow in a home garden and some best practices you can implement!
Questions about Drop by Drop?
Have questions about the Drop by Drop campaign that aren’t answered on this page? Head over to our Drop by Drop campaign FAQs page!
Need to contact us?
Phone: 602-240-6860
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.AZWATER.com
