Yard Talk: Waterwise Gardening

Synopsis: Make the most of every drop of water in your yard. This episode covers drought tolerant landscaping, using cisterns and rain barrels and Smart Watering techniques. Greg and Doug visit the Covington Water District's drought tolerant demonstration garden, the Cedar River Watershed Education Center to learn about the water cycle, and chat with King County Executive Ron Sims about reclaimed water.

Doug’s Design Tips

Choose drought-tolerant plants.

Group plants by their water needs.

Use mulch to reduce water use. Mulch helps retain moisture and build healthy soil. Healthy soil grows healthy plants and healthy plants survive drought better.

Greg's Tips & Tricks for Smart Watering

Measure how much water you use.

Measure how much water your lawn needs.

Then use a timer to avoid wasting water.

Simple Water Saving Tips at Home

Water your yard early in the morning or after sunset to lose less water to evaporation.

Turn off water when you brush your teeth or shave.

Install low-flow showerheads and toilets.>

Use a professional carwash over washing your car at home.

Show resources

Cedar River Watershed Education Center - (External link)

Covington Water District - (External link)

Native Plant Guide

Natural Yard Care

Rainbarrel Resources

Please Note: This list of resources is provided by King County as a courtesy to the public and does not endorse or guarantee the quality of the service offered or provided.

Check schedule for air times.

Yard Talk is brought to you by KCTV and the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

For questions about this web page, please contact Greg Rabourn, Community Stewardship Specialist, Water and Land Resources Division.

Episode 10: Waterwise Gardening

Yard Talk: dirt simple tips for natural yard care

Doug’s Design Tips

Simple Water Saving Tips at Home

Show resources

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