Conserve Water: Backyard Actions for A Cleaner Chesapeake Bay - Maryland Department of Agriculture
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conserve
Backyard Actions for a Cleaner Chesapeake Bay...
Become a Water-Wise Gardener Make Every Raindrop prompting backyard
(continued) gardeners to keep an
Count—Use Water Wisely
Don’t water the driveway or other paved surfaces. Make water eye on the sky while
certain sprinklers are aimed in the right direction and Farmers know the importance of conserving water, practicing water conservation techniques in
that runoff is directed toward vegetated areas.
not only during periods of extreme dry weather, earnest. If you rely on the garden hose to keep
Help prevent surface runoff. Don’t apply water faster
than it can be absorbed. but throughout the growing season and beyond. your lawn green and your garden lush and
During drought emergencies, check with the Maryland Just as most of us are taught from childhood not attractive during dry conditions, consider the
Department of the Environment at 1-800-633-6101 as to waste food, water conservation is similarly
well as your local health department to learn whether following water-wise tips.
you may use recycled or “gray” water from laundry or ingrained in the farmer’s psyche.
dishes on gardens.
Purchase a rain barrel equipped with mosquito netting Coping with Drought Conditions
Farmers use a variety of methods to conserve water.
to store rainwater runoff from down spouts.
They know that soil composition plays a key role
Learn more about Xeriscaping, a method of gardening Protect the Chesapeake Bay
that uses drought tolerant plants and a combination in helping plants cope with drought. The clay soils
of practices to reduce water usage. Visit the Home and
that are found throughout much of Maryland can
Garden Information Center’s web site listed below to
Like farmers, homeowners
download a fact sheet on Xeriscaping. harden and become brick-like under prolonged hot,
play an important role in dry, sunny conditions. To conserve moisture and
protecting our soil and water reduce evaporation on sun-baked crop fields, Be aware of water restrictions in your area. Watch
or listen for news reports or contact the Maryland
resources, especially the farmers leave the stalks and leaves of harvested Department of the Environment (MDE) at 1-800-
Chesapeake Bay. This series crops on the ground to create a type of natural 633-6101. Drought information and restrictions will
also be posted on MDE’s web site, mde.state.md.us.
of fact sheets highlights mulch for newly planted crops. This practice, known
Obey both voluntary and mandatory restrictions.
as conservation tillage, can reduce evaporation by
various conservation If outdoor watering is restricted and you are limited
up to 35 percent. Winter cover crops of rye, wheat to using a hand-held container or hose with an
measures—best management
automatic shut-off valve, establish a priority system
or barley also help farmers conserve water. They
practices—that farmers use for your plants. First, determine which landscape
help slow down rainwater runoff, control erosion, plants are most susceptible to water stress. Large
to produce healthy crops and shade trees and mature shrubs can usually fend for
and recycle leftover nutrients remaining in the soil
themselves unless they begin to show signs of wilt or
protect water quality in the after the summer harvest. When lack of rainfall their root systems have been recently disturbed.
Chesapeake Bay and its threatens the survival of a crop, farmers rely on 1. Newly planted trees and shrubs should be
given priority.
tributaries. Homeowners can high-efficiency irrigation systems that are designed
2. Perennials, fruit trees, and vegetables are next
apply these same conserva- to minimize evaporation and maximize the amount in line.
tion measures to home, lawn, of water that reaches a crop field. During the past 3. Established turf, ornamental grasses and
annuals should be placed at the bottom of
several years, many areas of Maryland have
and garden projects. Working your watering priority list. These are usually
experienced persistent drought conditions, drought tolerant.
together, we can make a
difference for the Bay. For
Office of Resource Conservation University of Maryland Extension more information on ways to
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway Home and Garden Information Center
Annapolis, MD 21401 12005 Homewood Road improve your lawn or garden
410-841-5863 | mda.state.md.us Ellicott City, MD 21042
5
1-800-342-2507 | hgic.umd.edu and protect the Bay, contact
Financial assistance provided by the Coastal
Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended,
administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal
the organizations listed on
Resource Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). the back panel.
Martin O’Malley Anthony G. Brown Earl F. Hance Mary Ellen Setting
Governor Lt. Governor Secretary Deputy Secretary Maryland Department of Agriculture
MDA 15.09.11 | Recycled paper