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Watering habits have changed in gardens all across the country. California, especially, feels the need to conserve this preciious resource.

Better watering techniques and healthier gardens are two benefits you can look forward to while employing water saving strategies. Drip irrigation for the home landscape is coming into its own. The method delivers water to each plant slowly allowing the water to penetrate the soil around the root zone. The slow application of water reduces run-off and puts water only where it is needed.

Healthier gardens are the result of watering deeply, but infrequently. This golden rule of gardening encourages deep rooting while avoiding a too-wet surface soil condition that develops when frequent watering is practiced. Excess moisture can contribute to weakened grwoth and root and crown rot diseases. Here are some simple good gardening tips that will help save water:

1. Water infrequently but deeply
2. Mulch the soil surface to cut down on water evaporation
3. Move container plants to sheltered areas away from excess wind and sun.
4. Select drought tolerant plants
5. Use drip irrigation systems
6. Water early in the day to prevent evaporation
7. Spike or aerate lawns to insure maximum water penetration.
8. Don't flood the gutters with excess water. Practice careful timing for soil penetration.
9. Keep water robbing weeds pulled.
10. Group plants with similar waer requirements together.

I have found that taking on the challenge of improving your behavior "by 10%" is a great way to make progress. Ten percent isn't hard. It is manageable. And once you celebrate the first ten percent change in your behavior, you see significant tangible results that can be celebrated! And once you have achieved one ten percent gain...you can tackle another ten percent challenge -- and before you know it, you are a master at conservation!

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