Water conservation is on everyone's mind. In the landscape, there are many ways to conserve water. I hope that once the drought is over we don't go back to our wasteful ways. Many of the problems with plants in eastern North Carolina landscapes are related to overwatering or poor drainage. Much of the water applied to landscapes is not needed. Plants are tougher than we give them credit for. I encourage you to watch the plants in the landscape to determine when to water. When you see wilting occur ,wait until the wilted plants do not recover from wilting overnight. If they are still wilted in the morning, give those plants some water.

There are things we can do at planting to conserve water in the landscape. Adding organic matter to soils when preparing for planting will increase water-holding capacity. Mulching reduces water loss to evaporation. Plants that require little water should be used. Use your sense of touch to determine when to water. Feel the soil for its moisture content. Grab a handful of soil and squeeze. If the soil holds together in a ball, it has enough moisture. If it falls apart, it does not.

Soaker hoses and drip irrigation are a great way to reduce landscape water use by up to 50 percent. Follow the same rules for timing of watering. Always let soil dry between watering. Watering too often with drip irrigation or soaker hoses is just as bad as watering too often with overhead irrigation.

Lawns will grow better if the soil is core aerated at least once a year This aerating pulls cores of soil and deposits them on the surface. Aerating reduces compaction and thus runoff. The little holes allow water to work its way into the soil faster.

Once landscape plants like trees, shrubs and perennials that are adapted to your site are planted, they don't need water other than rainfall except in dry periods. If watering is needed, do so in the early morning to reduce evaporation losses. If you have to use a sprinkler, make sure to water only the growing area. Watering the pavement does the plants no good.

If you really want to conserve water or are not allowed to water from municipal sources, then consider collecting water for gardening use. Did you know that 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof is equal to more than 500 gallons? That is a lot of water for gardening use during a drought.

A way to tap into some of that water is by putting rain barrels under downspouts, roof valleys, or deflectors. This is a change in thinking for many of us. We have all been taught to get water away from house foundations as quickly as possible. For that reason many people direct downspouts into tile drains or pipes that quickly take the water away to the street or a ditch. By using rain barrels, it is possible to collect some of this water for use while allowing the overflow to be moved safely away from the foundation. It is also beneficial to direct roof runoff or rain barrel overflow into a lawn or rain garden.

Water from rain barrels can be used for hand watering with buckets and watering cans or use water hoses and gravity to distribute it. One of the most important parts of rain barrels is a cover. Covers should be secure to prevent children or small animals from falling in. Covers should have openings for water entry that are screened to keep mosquitoes out.

Rain barrels are easy to make. It is best to use a plastic barrel, preferably one used to store food items. Wash the interior of the barrel and rinse. Drill a half-inch hole on the side of the barrel near the bottom and insert a half-inch hose bibb. Place a rubber washer over the male threads on the inside of the barrel and use a half-inch locknut to secure the hose bibb. I also suggest having an overflow near the top that a water hose can be attached to in order to link barrels together or direct water away from the foundation. The top may need to have holes cut to allow water into the barrel. Place screening over the openings to keep mosquitoes out. Set the barrel on concrete blocks or flat-top stones to raise it up for a watering can or bucket to fit underneath. A short length of hose may make filling easier.

If you are not interesting in making your own rain barrel they are available for purchase from many sources. Prices range from about $50 to $125.

The Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are selling rain barrels for $50 as a fundraiser for the Pitt County Arboretum. Rain barrels include a hose bibb, screened top, and overflow. You can place an order for a rain barrel by calling 902-1709 and leaving your name and phone number. Demand often exceeds supply, so your name will be placed on a waiting list.

As always, if you have gardening questions give the Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers a call at 902-1705 or e-mail pittmgv@hotmail.com

Danny Lauderdale is an agricultural extension agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service-Pitt County. Contact him at 902-1700.