Simple Xeriscaping Techniques for the Home Vegetable Garden

Xeriscaping is simply a garden technique used to conserve water. Planting things that will thrive in your climate with as little water as possible is key. Drought hardy and heat resistant plants are usually good choices. There are also a few tricks you can use to maximize your water usage. Xeriscaping is a great choice for the home vegetable gardener as conserving water and the amount of time spent watering one's garden is always a nice bonus during a busy growing season. Not to mention conserving one of the earth's most precious and wasted resources, water.

Herbs

Herbs are the perfect plants to start with when planning on incorporating xeriscaping into the home garden. Herbs are naturally hardy and many are drought resistant due to being native to the hot dry Mediterranean region of the world. Herbs like cilantro, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, bee balm, oregano and sage are perfect for using in a low water usage garden. Herbs are highly adaptable and easy to grow. They don't need much maintenance either other than keeping them from spreading all over the yard.

Vegetables

Organic and heirloom varieties are recommended to be sure and avoid nasty genetically modified seeds. There are many vegetables that are naturally heat tolerant and drought resistant. These types of varieties are optimal in using in the xeriscaped designed vegetable garden. Some heat drought resistant plants that require less water to thrive and love heat are sweet potatoes, okra, peppers, peas and watermelons.

Another thing to remember is most plants will be almost done or on their way growing by time drought sets in. These types of plants can be planted earlier to avoid drought conditions during the crucial growing stages. Such vegetables would be broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, lettuce, onions and beets.

Companion planting is also a great way to conserve water as well. Planting vegetables that are alike in water requirements will benefit the water conservationist.

Berries & Vines

Some berry and vine varieties such as grapes can be heat tolerant. Kiwis are heat resistant and tolerate drought conditions to a point. Raspberries can also be a good choice for the home gardener as well as strawberries.

Fruit Trees

Fruit trees such as jujubes and peaches are great in drought resistant gardens. Some varieties of apples can also be drought tolerant as well. Fruit trees generally don't need tons of water.

Irrigation

Irrigation techniques are crucial to the outcome of your garden. Such as irrigating trees for instance. Digging a shallow trench around fruit trees is an easy trick for watering conservatively. This can work with any plants generally. Also rain can be directed from the downspouts of your house gutters. You will also want to set up soaker hoses to water your plants directly using the least bit of water.

Conserving and Harvesting Water

Obviously the point of xeriscaping is to conserve on water. You ideally want any rainfall to run toward your growing plants. Water harvesting is also a great way to recycle your home's grey water. Using water collection barrels you also can harvest your own rain water to use in your garden.

Xeriscaping Tips & Tricks

Mulching well is a good idea for conserving on water and protecting your plants. If it is too hot you can also shade your plants. Also if you have plants that are not drought resistant a good idea is to bury them in plastic containers with holes drilled in the bottom. The container will help keep the water contained for longer and help your plants thrive.

Xeriscaping is a great way to reduce your water consumption in the home garden. Planting plant varieties that suit your area will help maximize your water usage. Irrigation techniques and harvesting can also stretch your water usage nicely.