As temperatures rise and people are doing more gardening to pass the time while staying home, water demand and bills are increasing. But there are easy water savings habits you can incorporate into your lifestyle as well as investments you can make into your garden to lead to long term water savings.

Collect Water While Your Shower Warms Up to Water Plants

Around 20 to 40 gallons of water are used for one shower, with a couple of those gallons being used to warm up the water before you hop in. It may not seem like a lot, but it adds up to hundreds of gallons being wasted each year. Instead of letting that water go down the drain, use a bucket to collect the water. When the bucket gets full, water your garden, potted plants, or the tree outside of your apartment.

Use Salt Water From Boiling Pasta or Vegetables as a Natural Weed Killer

Many pesticides can contain chemicals that can be carcinogenic and release unwanted chemicals into the soil and water. If you are cooking at home more, using salt water left over is a great way to reuse the water and use a natural weed killer. If you boil pasta or vegetables, strain them under the bucket instead of having it go down the drain and pour it on any unwanted weeds.

Water Your Garden Early in the Morning to Reduce Water Evaporation

As the day goes on and it gets hotter, especially during summertime, water is more likely to evaporate. By watering early in the morning, particularly before 9 AM, it gives the plants time to absorb the water into the roots rather than evaporate off the leaves. It also gives the plants a stash of water to be able to survive the heat during the day. A healthy drink in the morning means wasting less water over time.

Why Not Water in the Late Evening?

Although it is cooler in the evening, if water is left on the leaves without time to dry, it can lead to fungal development. And during the wintertime, the water can freeze and make an artificial frost in your garden. If you are not able to do it in the morning, late afternoon is the next best time as there will still be some sun out to dry off water left on the leaves and reduce the risk of fungal development.

Plant More Drought Tolerant Plants

You can still have a beautiful garden without having high water use. Succulents, cactus, and African daisies are examples of some drought tolerant plants. I find that with my succulents I may have to water them once a week during the fall and winter, and around three times a week during the summer time. Here is a list of 39 stunning drought tolerant plants that can make your gardens lively as well as water efficient.

Consider Investing Into a Rain Barrel

If you are spending lots of money to water the garden, it may be worth investing into a rain barrel. It catches water from your gutters when the rain comes by, and when it gets dry for a few days, you have some extra water on hand without taking it directly from the pipes. This is especially helpful if you live in areas with drier climates, like California, where you may not get rain as often as possible. Here’s a link to some potential rain barrel options.

Have any other ideas for water efficiency in the garden? Put them in the comments!