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There are so many reasons why people would want to include drought tolerant plants in their yard. In arid places, where water may be scarce, it may be a necessity to have drought-tolerant plants if they are to survive the hotter, dryer months. In places like San Diego, where water is often obtained from external sources like the Colorado River, it doesn’t just save money to plant drought tolerant plants; it also helps reduce the demand on an already short commodity: water. Here are some tops to planning a drought-tolerant landscape in San Diego.

Other than reducing the demand on water resources, planting drought-tolerant plants can help save homeowners money on their water bills. In some instances, planting drought-tolerant plants may be cheaper than planting some water-loving tropical plants, especially since the needs of water-guzzlers demand more from the nurseries that the plants are grown at. Though some palm trees can be drought-tolerant, others may not be ideal for drier areas as they are adapted to wetter, tropical climates. For this reason, it’s important to consider both the needs of your plants as well as the resources you have available (year-round) to help keep your plants alive.

Strategic planting is important as well. One key component to reducing the use of water in your landscape is to plant in a way that reduces the water from being wasted due to run-ff or evaporation. Another helpful way to maximize the amount of water you use is to “buddy-up” plants in a way that will allow them to draw (with little competition) from the same water source. Some people opt for drip irrigation systems to help direct water to the plants roots directly, which will not only help prevent water from being lost to evaporation, but can also be snaked around the plants to help water several plants simultaneously along the irrigation line.

Compartmentalizing your plants can also help to localize the water, which is why container gardens and planting beds are often utilized in drier areas. By keeping the water in one location, you reduce the likelihood of the water dispersing to areas which you may not intend to water. Make sure to check on the requirements of your plants to determine which ones will be good in a planter bed or if they can be kept in a container. One of the simplest ways to implement San Diego drought tolerant plants into your landscape is to find native plants in your area. Consult local garden centers or wildlife organizations that might be able to help you identify native plants to incorporate into your landscape.

Amending the Soil

It is also important that you consider the needs of your plants and the type of soil you have available. Some plants will prefer more sandy soils which will allow better drainage. Good drainage is important for some plants, especially those that might suffer from root rot, but it can also pose a problem with keeping the water near the roots. If necessary, you may need to amend the soil before planting. Check with the experts at your local garden center for the requirements of each plant before you try to implement it into your landscape.