Looking to reduce water usage in your garden? One effective strategy is to replace natural soil with coarse mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture much better than soil alone, allowing you to water less while still keeping your plants healthy.
On a hot day, up to 70% of water can evaporate from unprotected soil, but mulch acts as a barrier that minimizes this evaporation. Mulch not only conserves water but also suppresses weeds, which compete with your plants for moisture. Additionally, many types of mulch add essential nutrients to the soil as they break down.
When choosing mulch, avoid fine mulches that tend to clump together and become water-repellent. Instead, opt for coarser varieties that let water pass through more easily and hold onto moisture longer.
Mulching is a simple yet highly effective method to conserve water and keep your garden thriving, even during dry spells.