Garden Tips

Plan your garden to tolerate our climate! It will require less water, nutrients, and maintenance. 

Xeriscaping Tips

  • Shop for drought-tolerant and native plants
  • Mulch your beds to prevent weeds and retain moisture
  • Create a rain garden to retain rainwater 
  • Use a rain barrel

Resources

Rain Barrels

When it rains, rain water usually flows off your roof, down your gutter and downspout, and into your yard or down a storm drain that leads to our local waterways. An inch of rain can produce 625 gallons of water runoff from a 1,000 square-foot roof. By installing a 55 gallon barrel you can capture enough water to water your potted plants, vegetable garden, and lawn.

How can I use water from a rain barrel?

Attach a garden hose, soaker hose, or use a watering can under the spigot. (The water collected is not safe for drinking.)

Many cities in Johnson County offer reimbursement programs for the installation of rain gardens and rain barrels. Check to see if your city is part of the program here: 

Sprinklers

Using a sprinkler or irrigation system? Visit our sprinkler system tips page.