Get Garden Smart

UCR is helping to conduct Rain Barrel Workshops in Hall and Forsyth Counties.  For dates and to learn more, see our online calendar.

Savings listed below are potential annual water savings.

Plant Smart
Use native, drought-tolerant landscaping - Cut water use 90%

Protect and improve your soil using organic mulch and compost matter - Cut water use 70%

Water Smart
Water in the evening or early morning hours instead of the middle of the day - Cut water use by 50%

Use drip irrigation or micro sprays instead of sprinklers - Cut water use 75%

Use rainbarrels and cisterns to capture rain and rooftop runoff for reuse - Cut water use 100%

Also . . .

Grade yourself by conducting an outdoor self-audit at http://www.conservewatergeorgia.net/resources/Water_Audit_Form_for_Homeowners.pdf

Other  Tips:

Set your lawn mower blades one notch higher. Longer grass means less evaporation, and you can save 500 to 1500 gallons per month! Better yet, replace your grass with drought-tolerant ground cover.

Water in the early morning when it's cooler, and never water between 10-4pm because of evaporation.

Use a pool cover to prevent evaporation.

Install a rain sensor device to shut off irrigation when it is not needed.

Group plants with the same water needs together to avoid unnecessary watering