Got Compost: Reducing water in the garden

Got Compost: Reducing water in the garden: We’re often asked questions about gardening and compost use, many of which concern conserving water. We hope the info below will be of int...

Reducing water in the garden

We’re often asked questions about gardening and compost use, many of which concern conserving water. We hope the info below will be of interest to some of you. If you have any questions you’d like answered, or just want to share your gardening stories, please ‘Like’ us on Facebook and post away. We’d love to hear from you!

Q: My kids want to plant a vegetable garden this summer. I’d like to get started on this project but gardens use a lot of water. Is there anything I can do to conserve water, hopefully not see an increase on my water bill and still enjoy fresh, healthy veggies from our own garden?

A: You bet! There are many ways to use water efficiently in your garden and significantly reduce your use. First, you'll want to consider what vegetables you want to grow. Peas and corn need more water, while vine plants and tomatoes require less.

Make sure to group water dependent plants together. This way, the majority of your water is directed to the areas that need it most, while keeping the rest dry. Your next step is to come up with strategies to use water more efficiently.

Drip lines and raised bed gardening are two excellent ways to conserve. Drip lines deliver water close to the base of the plant, which allows for deeper penetration and encourages the development of a strong and more extensive root system. They are easy to install and can reduce your gardening water needs up to 50 percent. Growing plants in raised beds will decrease the amount of weeds in the garden, which will draw water away from your vegetables.

Many cities offer rebates to residents and businesses taking part in water-wise landscape methods. Check out the Smart Landscape Rebate Program available in Santa Barbara County. Program requirements may vary slightly depending on your service area, so please click for water wise info for your area.

Soil amended with compost is a great way to manage soil moisture! Growing plants in garden beds containing soil that’s been enriched with compost is another way to increase efficiency. Soil that contains compost is able to hold significantly more water than the typical California soil.

STA Certified Harvest Blend Compost builds healthy soil; adding soil organic matter; improving soil structure, increasing water holding capacity. For more information email info@harvestblendcompost.com or visit www.GotCompost.com

 

Got Compost: Protect Landscapes Against El Niño

Got Compost: Protect Landscapes Against El Niño: With the possibility of record-breaking precipitation this winter, experts say now is the time to take action by preparing yards against ...

Protect Landscapes Against El Niño

With the possibility of record-breaking precipitation this winter, experts say now is the time to take

action by preparing yards against El Niño storm damage.

Heavy rainfall has the potential to cause major devastation, run-off and even mudslides. Highly saturated soils make it hard for plants to survive. In wet soil, it is almost impossible for roots to take up all the oxygen that the plant needs, which causes the roots to decay. Deep roots are the first to rot. If the condition continues shallower roots will also be damaged.

Even plants that don't appear to be flooded may have problems during extended wet weather. And you may not see the damage until next summer. One of the best defenses for your winter landscape is to make sure you have healthy, well-drained soil.

Horticulturists suggest the following tips on how to prevent run-off and yard damage:

• Since good drainage is extremely important to plant health, pre-storm chores should include clearing a place for the rain water to go - clearing weeds from the run-off ditches in yards as well as cleaning out rain gutters and spouts.  
• Amend compacted soil with compost. Adding a few inches of compost to hard, dry soil will open soil, increasing water holding capacity, improving drainage and decreasing runoff.
• Opt for six-packs of groundcover plants as they have larger, more mature roots (beneficial on sloped areas)
• Save top-heavy plants, such as ice plants, for flat areas since they tend to become water-logged and uproot on hillsides during heavy rains
• New landscaping may need additional care during storms
• Rocks can prevent run-off by stopping pathways of rainwater
• Prune trees before storms happen as strong rain storms can cause dead branches to fall and damage property
• Plants that have fibrous roots, such as California wild lilac, are ideal to plant for controlling erosion
• Hemp nets can help keep seeds and new grass in place on hillsides during heavy rain
• Newly created slopes will need to be covered with plastic from top to bottom as they tend to have unstable soil

 

Got Compost: DON'T TEAR YOUR LAWN OUT! There are easier ways to...

Got Compost: DON'T TEAR YOUR LAWN OUT! There are easier ways to...: Higher temps and lack of water can cause folks to resort to drastic measures, such as tearing out lawns and gardens. But there’s no need to...

DON'T TEAR YOUR LAWN OUT! There are easier ways to survive this drought.

Higher temps and lack of water can cause folks to resort to drastic measures, such as tearing out lawns and gardens. But there’s no need to go to that extreme.  Check out these tips for saving water and your lawn:

Improve the soil

• Use compost as a mulch in shrub/flower beds to add organic matter to the soil, project the soil, insulate it from high temperatures and retain moisture.

• Aerate and top-dress the lawn with compost to increase the ability of soil to absorb and retain moisture.

• Replace water-intensive plants with drought-tolerant ones and add compost to the soil when planting to improve moisture retention.

• Use compost as a mulch in shrub/flower beds to add organic matter to the soil, project the soil, insulate it from high temperatures and retain moisture.

Make your irrigation system more efficient.

• Check your sprinkler timer cycles.  Does water run off after 20 minutes?  If so, shorten the duration of the cycle and increase the number of cycles.

• If water runs off, shorten the duration of the cycle.

• Install a smart controller with a moisture sensor.  The system will water only when the lawn really needs it.

• Adjust the sprinkler heads so they spray only on the lawn, not pavement or flower beds.

• Replace spray heads with rotors which are more efficient.

• Install separate lines for shrubs/flower beds with fewer cycles and longer duration.

• Install drip lines or soaker hoses for shrubs/flower beds.

 For more info visit us on Facebook email info@harvestblendcompost.com or call (805)925-2771

Got Compost: Drought Conditions Call for Healthy Soil!

Got Compost: Drought Conditions Call for Healthy Soil!: With persisting drought conditions and water shortages here in California, drought-tolerant   landscaping is definitely the way to go. ...