We have all heard the saying “April showers, brings May flowers,” however, with our current drought situation that is not the case for California.

Considering that 60 percent of household water use occurs outdoors, the City of Turlock is encouraging residents and businesses to reduce landscape watering to two days a week.  Utilizing the following water conservation practices for your landscape irrigation can also help to significantly reduce outdoor water use.

1. Use less-than-thirsty plants in your garden.  Keep turf grass (the thirstiest plant of all!) to a minimum.  Look for plants that are well-suited to regional and local conditions.

2. Group plants thoughtfully.  When selecting trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials and annuals for your garden, look for those that naturally grow together and use about the same amount of water.

3. Use water wisely.  Water plants only when needed, not by the clock or calendar.  Water at night, when evaporation is much lower and air is calmer. Avoid runoff and overspray.

4. Improve your soil.  Routinely cultivate your soil, incorporating organic matter such as compost.  Doing so improves the soil’s ability to resist evaporation and retain moisture. Aerate heavy or compacted soil around trees.

5. Mulch.  A two-to four-inch layer of mulch also evens out temperature extremes, keeps soil cool on hot days and warm on cool days.  It also prevents soil from crusting, allowing better water penetration.

6. Plant trees.  Trees help lower air and soil temperatures, reducing plant and soil moisture loss.

7. Group container plants. Arrange containers so they shade one another. During droughts or periods of drying winds, place them in the deepest shade they can tolerate.

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

WATER CONSERVATION TIP #2

Capture Water: You know when you turn on your tap water and you are waiting for the water to warm up?  Well this would be a great time to capture that water in a watering can or bucket.  The water can then be used to water indoor and outdoor plants.   Remember every drop counts!