Newtown Yardley, PA House and Garden Articles

 Garden water saving tips:

• Add compost to your soil – the more organic matter in your soil, the more moisture it can retain.
• Use mulch on garden beds to keep soil moist and can also add organic matter to your soil.
• Water the soil around roots of the plants not the leaves – this will prevent evaporation and ensure the roots get water, cool roots will cool the plant.
• Water plants in cooler parts of day (especially early morning). 
• Install soaker hoses or drip irrigation system to efficiently apply water. Avoid using sprinklers (photo #1)
• Use reclaimed water in your garden as much as possible. 
• Use an oya in your garden beds – you can make one by burying a large terra cotta pot in your bed, fill with water and cover. This indigenous device will slowly water your soil (photo #2)
• Install a rain barrel or keep a covered bin outside to store your reclaimed water.
• Reduce your area of lawn and plant native plants.
• Add food waste to the compost pile rather than using garbage disposal.

Water Reclaiming Ideas: 

• Save pasta water or water used to boil/steam veggies (if you did not salt it).
• Collect water used while heating up water (eg, sink, shower) in a bucket.
• Save water from rinsing vegetables.
• Collect “old” water from cups or bottles rather than dumping down the drain.
• Store reclaimed water in a closed container or rain barrel so mosquitos do not use it.

Home water saving tips:

• Fix leaky faucets, toilets, and hoses.
• Sweep driveway, steps, sidewalk instead of hosing off.
• Properly maintaining septic systems and private wells.
• Always turn off water when not using (examples: in between dishes while washing by hand, when brushing teeth, when shaving).
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when loads are full.
• Take shorter, cooler-temperature showers (aim for 5 minutes).
• Wash laundry in cold water.
• If you like drinking cold water, keep a pitcher in the fridge rather than running until the tap is cold.
• Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator or sitting in water, do not run fresh water over it
• Wash the car with a bucket or use a professional car wash. Wash your car on the lawn rather than the driveway.
• Replace appliances with water efficient, WaterSense labeled products. Toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, and shower heads can all be efficient. 
• If you have a pool or hot tub, keep it covered when not in use to prevent evaporation.
• Scatter leftover ice on your lawn.
• Take steps to reduce energy consumption – water is used at many points in the process of producing electricity.