Water is a precious commodity. It is a privilege to have fresh, clean water at our disposal anytime, anywhere. Due to climate change, decreased rainfall, and water shortages, the need to conserve water is a priority. Oftentimes, the idea of a beautiful, lush, and healthy garden seems unattainable if water must be conserved. With some know-how and a few tricks, your garden will thrive without using as much water.

If planning the layout of your yard or garden for the first time, consider using plants that are designed for the climate you live in. Some drought-tolerant plants are hollyhock, aloe, tulip poppy, and lavender. There are also shrubs, such as sweet fern, morning glory bush, and lily of the Nile. All varieties of pine, elk, and oak trees are drought-tolerant and would add curb appeal to your home. Group plants together by their watering needs. For example, lawns, container plants, and plants that need lots of water should be put in close proximity together. When a plant that needs a lot of water is placed next to a plant that is drought-tolerant, the same amount of water will be used to water the drought-tolerant plant because they are next to one another. Consider converting a section of your lawn into a patio, a walkway, or a nice little picnic area. This will eliminate the need for watering it and will be an attractive addition to your yard.

Consider laying a thick layer of coarse mulch to your soil. Opt for organic mulch that is made from leaves and bark and free of chemicals and additives. The nutrients in the mulch will help improve the condition of your soil. The ideal amount would be three or more inches to reduce the amount of evaporation of your soil. Applying mulch helps regulate a steady soil temperature and also protects the roots from the summer heat. Mulch will also prevent weeds from growing because it blocks the seeds from receiving any sunlight. Plus, preventing weed growth will stop them from competing for the moisture in the soil. Although mulch is good for your plants, it is best to keep it away from trees and shrubs because it can promote root and crown diseases.

Fertilizers are okay to use as long as the right amount is used. Putting too much fertilizer can actually stunt your plant's growth. Use fertilizer in small doses or use a slow-release formula to prevent increased water consumption.