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Conserve Outside |
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| Overview |
| Why Save Water Outside? |
| Despite our rainy winters, we get less rainfall than Tucson, AZ during the summer months. That's when our reservoirs are lowest, and demand for irrigation water is highest. Choosing drought-tolerant plants, building rich soil, watering wisely, and following the other key steps below will help you. |
- Save money on water bills
- Save time maintaining your garden
- Protect your family's health by reducing the need for chemicals
- Protect our environment
- Grow a healthy, beautiful yard and garden all year 'round!
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| How To's |
| Make the most of the water you will use in the summer: |
- Aerate lawns in the spring to better absorb water.
- Mulch planting beds to decrease evaporation.
- Select the right plants for the right place - consult our new Plant List.
- Tune-up and improve your irrigation system - rebates are available!
- Wash your cars at locations that recycle their water.
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| 5 Steps to Save Water |
| Whether you're starting from scratch or improving an existing garden, follow these five steps: |
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| For a shorter introduction to these five steps, download the Natural Yard Care guide (pdf). A Spanish translation of the Natural Yard Care guide is also avaiable. View El Cuidado Natural del Jardin (pdf) or see translated summaries in 14 languages on the Seattle Public Utilities website. |
| Learn how these same practices can help you be a salmon friendly gardener and help salmon no matter how far you live from streams, lakes or the Puget Sound. |
| To request printed guides, or ask questions, call the Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224, or e-mail help@gardenhotline.org. |
Resources |
| The Garden Hotline |
| For free copies of these guides, or answers to your questions, call (206) 633-0224 or e-mail help@gardenhotline.org |
| Natural Lawn & Garden Guides |
- Natural Yard Care (pdf): Read this introduction to the whole series first, then get more detail in the seven guides below. A Spanish translation of the Natural Yard Care guide is also avaiable. View El Cuidado Natural del Jardin (pdf) or see translated summaries in 14 languages on the Seattle Public Utilities website.
- Growing Healthy Soil (pdf): Learn about using compost and mulch in your lawn, garden, and perennial beds.
- Composting at Home (pdf): Compost yard waste or kitchen scraps to make your own soil-building amendment.
- Choosing the Right Plants (pdf): Choose plants that will thrive in your yard, and need less water and chemicals.
- The Plant List (pdf): 240 plants to meet your garden's needs.
- Smart Watering (pdf): Grow healthier lawns and gardens by giving plants just enough water, but not too much.
- Natural Pest, Weed & Disease Control (pdf): Save money and reduce chemical risk, with these "natural" tips.
- Natural Lawn Care (pdf): Learn about mowing, fertilizing, watering, and more... for a healthy, easy-care lawn.
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Water Right, Waste Less (pdf): You can develop a beautiful landscape that will thrive with fewer resources - including much less water - by following some basic steps.
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Landscaping Guidelines (pdf): Professional guidance from design through installation to long-term maintenance for sustainable, cost-effective landscaping.
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| Choosing a Nursery or Landscape Professional |
| Find the tools, products, and professional services you need for a healthy yard. Learn more > |
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