Introduction

A drought is a serious problem. Unfortunately, living in the southwestern United States means you’ll experience more droughts than residents of other parts of the country. So what do you do to keep your plants alive and healthy during these hot, dry spells? The answer to this question isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated either. Below are some tips on how to water outdoor plants properly during a drought.

Water your plants, not the leaves.

Watering the leaves of your plants is a common mistake that can make them lose water through transpiration. Instead, water the soil around them so it reaches the roots properly and helps them grow!

Use a water gauge to measure how long to water your plants.

Use a Water Gauge to Measure How Long to Water Your Plants.

A water gauge is a great way to monitor how much you’re watering your plants and whether they’re getting enough water. You can buy these at most garden stores, or make your own by cutting off the top of an empty plastic bottle and inserting it into the soil of your potted plant so that it sits slightly above ground level. When you fill up this reservoir with water, it will act as an indicator for when you should stop watering (if you need more information on how long to water outdoor plants properly in drought conditions).

When checking soil moisture levels with a gauge, keep in mind that different types of plants require varying amounts of moisture. If you have several different types growing together, take note if one type seems particularly dry compared to another type before adding any more water.

Water in the early morning for less evaporation.

Watering in the early morning will help you avoid a lot of evaporation. The sun is at its highest in the heat of the day and it can strip water out of your plant’s roots faster than if you watered later in the day. If you live where winds are common, watering early will help prevent wind from blowing away much-needed moisture for your plants. And since dry soil also loses moisture more quickly than wetter soil, watering in dry conditions means less risk that water will evaporate before reaching your plant’s roots.

It’s also important to consider how much sunlight your outdoor plants are exposed to when choosing an appropriate time to water them: direct sunlight causes evaporation as well, so if possible, try putting off watering until late afternoon or evening when it’s shaded by buildings or trees—or simply put up some shade cloth!

Use recycled water (if you are allowed).

If you are allowed to use recycled water, it’s always a good idea. But if you aren’t allowed to use recycled water and don’t want to do what I’m about to tell you, then just use the recycled water anyway.

You see, unlike some people who are only trying to get attention by writing this blog post and telling us what we should do when it comes time for watering our outdoor plants during a drought (shame on those people), I am actually trying my best here at helping people who have been affected by these difficult times with their gardening needs.

So don’t worry about using recycled water for your plants; just go ahead and use it if you want! If not… well… then also go ahead and use it!

Invest in drip irrigation systems.

It’s not just about how much you water, it’s also about when. You can use drip irrigation systems to get the most out of the water you do have.

Drip irrigation is a method that uses pressure-compensating emitters and tubing to deliver water directly to plants’ roots. These systems are more efficient than traditional sprinklers because they deliver water directly to where it’s needed: in this case, at the base of each plant. They’re also great for people who want to save money on their water bill but don’t want to give up on their lawns and gardens entirely! The only drawback? Drip irrigation systems cost more than other options like hoses or rain barrels; however if you don’t mind spending some money upfront, then investing in one could help save money down the line.

When purchasing new plants, choose native species that use less water throughout the year.

One of the best ways to save water is to plant native species. Native plants were naturally selected for their ability to thrive in your area, so they require less water and fertilizer than non-native plants. When choosing new outdoor plants for your garden, consider purchasing those that are native to your region. This will help ensure that the plant can grow well in both your soil type and climate conditions.

When you purchase a new plant from a nursery or garden center, ask about its native status so that you can determine whether it is appropriate for your area’s natural habitat and climate conditions.

Keep an eye on your local government websites for updates on watering restrictions and other conservation tips.

• Keep an eye on your local government websites for updates on watering restrictions and other conservation tips.
• Consider planting native species, which are better adapted to dry conditions than non-native plants. You can find lists of native plants in your area online or at gardening stores.
• Drip irrigation systems use less water than sprinklers, so check out our blog for more information about drip irrigation systems.
• If you have access to recycled water from a municipal system, you may be able to irrigate using it instead of tap water (check with the city first).

Watering and caring for plants during a drought is possible with a few helpful tips.

Watering and caring for plants during a drought is possible with a few helpful tips. The first step is to use a water gauge to measure how long you should be watering your plants. These gauges are easy to find at any hardware store, and they look like this:

This nifty little tool helps you decide when to turn off the tap, so you don’t waste any more water than necessary. You’ll also want to be sure not to overwater your plants; overwatering can cause diseases that can affect your plant’s health for years down the road! As always, recycled water is another great option if it’s available where you live (though not all areas of California allow residents access). If this option isn’t available in your area or if using recycled water isn’t an option because of its cost, then consider investing in drip irrigation systems instead of large sprinklers that spray out lots of excess moisture into the air—these types of watering systems use up less energy while providing just as much wetness around each individual root!

Conclusion

Following these tips will help you to reduce your water consumption and keep your garden looking great. If you have any questions about how these tips work, please let me know in the comments section below. I would love to hear from other people who are trying to conserve water during this drought!