The Board of Directors for Fort Bend County No. 142 encourages all residents to take steps to conserve water while maintaining beautiful and healthy gardens and yards. By using water wisely, especially during the wetter months of the year, you can help preserve our natural resources and save money on your utility bill. Here are a few simple tips to get started:
Consider Watering times
Try not to water between the times of 10 am-6 pm. Watering early in the morning or later in the evening allows the water to soak into the soil before evaporation can take place. During drought times, this rule is often followed by local municipalities to promote the conservation of water. Following this rule can benefit the community year-round.
Catching Rainwater
Harvesting rainwater is a fantastic way to conserve water usage. Large box stores offer rain barrels of many shapes and sizes to fit individual home needs. Rain barrels are relatively simple to install outdoors around the home and can be used in place of a garden hose to water plants. Keep in mind that rainwater often has minerals and nutrients for plants that our cleaned and filtered drinking water does not.
Seeding the Lawn
It is recommended that the lawn be seeded early to mid-spring for best results and growth in the Houston area. Results may vary based on the species of grass planted, however, all typically call for planting between Spring and Summer months.
Seeding the Garden
Follow the recommended seeding instructions on the back of seed packets for “Zone 9” of the Planting Hardiness Zone. Always plant seeds in a seed starter unless otherwise indicated for best results.
Types of Plants
Consider planting Texas native plants that are endemic to the local area. Many beautiful plant species are Texas natives that will last many years to come due to their resilience to the environment they have survived. Plants such as Black-Eyed Susan, Eastern Purple Coneflower, and Esperanza are just a few of the natural flowering plants that could brighten and color your garden this year. Plants that do well in Texas summers are also known for being drought-resistant, thus needing less water in the summer. These plants are hardy and ideal for the versatile conditions of Houston weather.
These are just a few of the fantastic ways to ways to conserve water, save money, and continue to have a beautiful garden while taking advantage of the great amount of rainfall we will have this spring. By each of us doing our part and installing rain barrels, dialing back on irrigation, and seeding our lawn and gardens at the proper times with the right kinds of plants, we can all do our part in conserving water year-round.