Tips for Winter Gardening Success!
For customers interested in switching out high water use plants for water wise landscaping, the fall and winter months are an ideal time to refresh your landscaping. Cooler temperatures and the onset of the rainy season promote plant health and aid in successfully establishing new landscaping ahead of the warm summer months. Take advantage of winter rains to establish plants and help them survive the hot dry summer weather with less stress while using less water. Save water, money, and time as many water wise drought tolerant plants also require lower maintenance.
Winter Planting Tips:
- Group plants with similar water requirements into zones, allowing you to adjust your irrigations system to meet each group’s needs.
- Water during the early morning or early evening hours to maximize efficiency of your watering efforts.
- Consider installing a water efficient irrigation system as part of your garden design. This is easier than adding a system later.
- Add a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep soil cool.
Harvest the Future: Plant an Edible Garden!
Consider planting an edible garden with a variety of easy-to-grow, visually appealing, and water-wise edible plants and trees. A sustainable, water-wise edible garden offers numerous benefits, such as:
- Saving money, adding convenience, and increasing food security.
- Conserving water and reducing carbon emissions from food transportation.
- Attracting pollinators, which are essential for the reproduction of flowering and edible plants .
- Providing opportunities for fun, recreation, and exercise, for kids and adults alike.
For ideas and inspiration, visit the District’s Edible Demonstration Garden at 4699 Hollister Ave., or online at www.goletawater.com/edible-garden
