Forget what the groundhog said, the official start of the spring season is just around the corner. The warmer temperatures could have you in the mood to pull out your gardening tools.
Ok, that was too harsh on Punxsutawney Phil…. There is still time for the final frost here in North Carolina, so planters beware. Now that you've started thinking about placing those plants, here's what you should keep in mind. City of Raleigh, Senior Sustainability Strategist Mary Alice Holley, shares a few tips to keep your backyard beautiful while conserving water usage. Psst… less water use also means a potentially lower water bill.
Joyful Blooms.
Going into a greenhouse can be overwhelming. There are rows and rows of colorful flowers and luscious green plants. One way to ease the decision process is getting plants that are native to North Carolina. Those species adapt to the environment and often show greater drought tolerance.
Two of Holley’s favorites are the Black-eyed Susan and purple coneflowers. You can also add an edible treat to your garden by adding a blueberry bush. They are a great option that grows well in the ground or in a pot. These are all beginner-friendly flowers and shrubs that will add a pop of color to any type of garden space.
Creating Happy Plant Neighbors.
Get to know your plants before placing them in the ground or in planters. Taking the time to read up on the species will help you decide the best location and what other plants to place with them. You don’t want a plant that needs lots of water to be with another that prefers a drier soil. Don't break out the big textbooks. It's as easy as glancing at the plant tag or asking your local garden store for more information on spacing and companion planting.
Best time to water your plants.
You know the old saying… “the early bird gets the worm.” Well, it turns out it applies to plant watering times. If you can pull yourself out of bed… the early morning hours are the best time to water the garden or plants. That time of day will allow plants to soak the water deep into the soil and avoid it evaporating in the midday heat.
Utilizing rainwater capture.
Not all water needs to come from the faucet. Holley also reminds us, it’s a great time of year to take advantage of the rainy days. One way is collecting rainwater with a rain barrel to recycle and reuse the water. The rain barrel will help collect water from gutters and downspouts on your property.
Remember a garden hose nozzle.
This one might be obvious - but as a reminder.... if you’re turning on the hose, make sure to add a nozzle. This way you’re not letting the water run while you walk to different plants or locations.
Even using a few of these tips can help impact the environment and improve our surroundings.
Holley reminds us that these actions can make a difference saying, “When you add NC native plants to your space, you're taking simple steps to build climate resiliency for yourself, your neighbors and even the birds and wildlife around you. Native plants help ecosystems absorbs carbon, in turn reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They also reduce flooding and heat, which are two of the largest climate impacts for Raleigh and our region. They also provide beneficial food and habitat for our birds, bees and other pollinators that require these resources to survive and thrive. Spring provides a great opportunity to be intentional about taking steps to be a climate steward and populate a sustainable ecosystem."
When you're ready to get outside and get growing, use these easy tips to enjoy the season in a water-conscious way. We at Raleigh Water hope you take advantage of the weather and have a happy planting season.
