Saving water in the garden will help lower your water bill and preserve this important natural resource. Many of the tips described below can also save you a lot of time and effort, especially if your garden is on the larger side. With the right water-saving equipment and some simple changes of habit, you’ll be surprised at how much you can conserve.

1. Install a drip irrigation system

Installing a drip irrigation system that uses a soaker hose is arguably one of the most efficient improvements you can make to your garden watering methods. A soaker hose attaches to a regular hose, and the water seeps out through thousands of small holes. The reason drip irrigation is so effective is that it delivers water straight to the plant roots, helping them get established. Direct water delivery also eliminates the potential for water loss through runoff and surface evaporation.

2. Add a layer of mulch

In addition to drip irrigation, you can slow down surface water evaporation by covering your bare garden soil with a 2- to 3-inch thick layer of mulch. The mulch will keep the moisture where you want it while also keeping the root zone cool and protected from the hot sun, which promotes root growth. Mulch also helps prevent the growth of weed. Plus, if you are using organic mulch like bark or leaves, then it will add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.

3. Take advantage of tech

Another easy way to make your irrigation system more efficient is to use some tech tools. A water timer, for example, can help ensure that your plants are being watered at the most ideal time of day. Some programmable timers even have soil moisture sensors that prevent overwatering when it is not needed. Rain sensors are also available to shut your irrigation system off if a certain amount of rain has fallen.

4. Harvest water in rain barrels

Save thousands of litres of water over the gardening season by using rain barrels to catch rainwater from your home’s downspouts. Rain barrels are affordable, easy to set up, and simple to connect to your irrigation system. Why pay for water from the municipality when you can fill up for free every time it rains? There are many different types of store-bought kits available or, if you’re handy, you can even build a water collection system yourself.

5. Choose the right plants

The plants you grow will have a big impact on the amount of water you use in the garden. Consider choosing native plants that are suited to your average temperatures and rainfall and won’t require much additional irrigation. Drought-resistant plants, even if they aren’t native to your area, can be a good option as well. This may include sage, yarrow, white fir, and yucca.

Give your plants all of the water they need and cut down on your water use at the same time by trying some of these five tips. Implementing even just one or two of them to start is a great way to begin your water-saving journey.