Droughts have been a common theme in our environment throughout history. Droughts occur when the demand for water exceeds the amount available. It is often due to changing weather patterns. Droughts can last for long periods of time and can come on quickly. However, you can reduce your impact on a drought by decreasing the demand for water and conserving the water you use, especially in your yard and garden. Conserving Water in Your Garden Most of us don’t realize how much water we are using when we water our yards and plants, but these tips and tricks can help you be more conscious of your water usage and have the most efficiently watered garden during drought season. Plant drought resistant plants. Planting drought resistant plants doesn’t necessarily mean xeriscaping your yard with rocks and cacti. There are many varieties of grass, bushes, and colorful flowers that can withstand drought conditions like Bermuda grass, lavender, and yarrow. Hydro zone your yard. This means grouping plants together in your yard based on their water and maintenance needs. That way you can give more water to plants that need it rather than waste it on plants that don’t need as much to survive. Use plants native to your climate. Look for plants that are native to your area. These plants will take less water and maintenance to grow. They know how to survive on their own and deal with the conditions in the area, including droughts. Mix compost into your soil. Adding compost to your soil will improve the quality and nutrients it provides to your plants. Your plants will be able to get more out of the soil and survive without as much water as they might need otherwise. Cover your garden with mulch. Spread mulch over the entire area of your garden after planting. The mulch will lower the temperature of the soil underneath and help retain moisture by discouraging evaporation and weed growth. Use a drip system for watering. Rather than using sprinklers to water your lawn or plants, switch to a drip system. This system brings water directly to the roots of plants and slowly releases the needed amount of water throughout the day. Water during the early morning or late evening. These times of the day provide optimal watering conditions during a drought. The lower temperatures and higher humidity decrease the amount of water that evaporates into the air, providing your plants with the most water possible. If the area where you live is entering into a drought or already in a drought, these tactics may help you to grow your garden or spruce up your yard. You'll be using as little water as possible while still growing beautiful plants. Have you had any success growing a garden or keeping up your yard during a drought? What ideas do you have?