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T E C H N IQ U E S

SMART

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SOAKER

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B e th e w ise st

w a t e r e r o n y o u r b lo ck .

Like many households, yours could be using twice as

much water outdoors as it does indoors this summer.

Here are some ways to reduce your water bill and

conserve an important resource.

W ATER LAW NS and gardens during the coolest part of

the day and when the air is calm, so that more water

reaches the roots before it evaporates.

IN SP EC T IRRIGATIO N SYSTEM S for leaks. Since

sprinklers often run at night, leaks can go unnoticed for

weeks or even months.

USE A BROOM or blower to clean driveways and

sidewalks, rather than washing them with a hose.

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TO P BED S with an organic mulch so that water is more

readily absorbed and soil retains moisture longer.

TA KE YO UR VEH ICLE to the car wash, rather than

washing it in the driveway with the hose.

For buying information see page 190.

outdoors

A U G U S T

G A R D E N E R

O u r fa v o r ite tools a n d tip s fo r e v e ry o n e w h o lo ves to d ig

BY SUSAN APPLEGET HURST

8 2

AUGUST 2008 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

PHOTO: KRITS,