California is still in a drought and that means that we need to continue to be mindful of every drop of water that we use, particularly outdoors.

The following provides suggestions on how to plant and maintain water-efficient gardens and landscapes:

Get Efficient

· Introduce drip irrigation.

· Invest in a smart controller.

· Water less frequently, but for longer intervals and close to plant roots.

· Redirect downspouts to capture rainwater and direct it to garden areas.

Prioritize Your Landscape

· Vegetables & Fruits Get Priority: They help feed your family.

· Water-Wise Plants & Shade Trees: Water-wise plants use little or no water once established. Shade trees help keep plants cool and less thirsty.

· Thirsty Plants: Lawn, High-Water Use & Container Plants: These plants are the lowest on the priority list. If you have to cut back, start here.

Use Mulch

· Retain Moisture: Less watering needed and grows healthier plants.

· Moderates Temperature: Cools soil in the summer and warms soil in the winter.

· Decomposes Nutrients: Provides enriched soil and better soil quality.

· Discourage Weeds: Keeps weeds away and reduces maintenance.

Recycle indoor water outdoors

· Put a bucket in your shower to capture water for use in the garden.

· Use cooled cooking water to water plants and flowers.

· Wash your fruits & vegetables over a bucket and use the collected water for gardens and plants.

· Keep a pitcher next to the sink and empty any remaining water from glasses into it for use in the garden.

Brought to you by the City of Turlock Municipal Services Department

How to Garden in a Drought

California is still in a drought and that means that we need to continue to be mindful of every drop of water that we use, particularly outdoors.

The following provides suggestions on how to plant and maintain water-efficient gardens and landscapes:

Get Efficient

· Introduce drip irrigation.

· Invest in a smart controller.

· Water less frequently, but for longer intervals and close to plant roots.

· Redirect downspouts to capture rainwater and direct it to garden areas.

Prioritize Your Landscape

· Vegetables & Fruits Get Priority-They help feed your family.

· Water-Wise Plants & Shade Trees- Water-wise plants use little or no water once established. Shade trees help keep plants cool and less thirsty.

· Thirsty Plants: Lawn, High-Water Use & Container Plants- These plants are the lowest on the priority list. If you have to cut back, start here.

Use Mulch

· Retain Moisture- Less watering needed and grows healthier plants.

· Moderates Temperature- Cools soil in the summer and warms soil in the winter.

· Decomposes Nutrients- Provides enriched soil and better soil quality.

· Discourage Weeds- Keeps weeds away and reduces maintenance.

Recycle indoor water outdoors

· Put a bucket in your shower to capture water for use in the garden.

· Use cooled cooking water to water plants and flowers.

· Wash your fruits & vegetables over a bucket and use the collected water for gardens and plants.

· Keep a pitcher next to the sink and empty any remaining water from glasses into it for use in the garden.

Brought to you by the City of Turlock Municipal Services Department.

WATER CONSERVATION TIP #54

New watering schedule in effect as of June 1: Watering is limited to only two days per week based on odd/even address and watering is prohibited from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., on the scheduled watering day. Odd numbered addresses may water on Wednesday and Sunday and even numbered addresses on Tuesday and Saturday. No watering is allowed on Monday, Thursday or Friday.