New Jersey under a drought watch
2010 September 9
I don’t need an expert to tell me New Jersey is facing a rain shortage. I just need to look at my garden. The lack of rain during the last month has stunted my garden. I’ve gotten very little produce from it at all.
I just read on Philly.com that New Jersey had declared a drought watch. While there are no mandatory restrictions, it’s advisable that residents conserve water whenever possible.
Here are a few tips to help you conserve water while you continue to water your garden.
- Reuse any water that you used to cook vegetables or pasta in for watering plants. This is especially helpful for plants in containers that need to be watered frequently. Allow the water to cool first and don’t ever use water that was used to cook meat.
- Keep a bucket under the faucet when you’re running water in the tub trying to get it warm or a pitcher under the faucet in the sink while you’re waiting for water to reach the right temperature. Use the water to water plants.
- Empty half-full water bottles onto plants instead of down the sink.
- Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening so that the sun doesn’t evaporate too much of the water you’ve used for the plants.
- Get rid of weeds. Their roots will soak up water that your vegetable plants need causing you to have to water more heavily.
For more tips on conserving water throughout your whole house, read 10 easy ways to be more sustainable with your water usage.
photo credit: GollyGforce really enjoys life!
Dear Robin,
I love your blog and have been reading it for several months, without commenting. (Sorry!) I couldn’t find email contact for you on the site so am reaching out through comment… It would be great to connect with you about the Slow Food South Jersey group that I am part of. Please email me if you get the chance!
Thanks!
Esther