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GARDENERS'GUILD: YOUR HABITAT Hq

JOIN HERE! FOR GREENER CITY STREETS AND CLEANER FUTURES
plot a pathway to your oasis with regionally appropriate info
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school gardens page coming soon (July '10)
 
conservation
conservation is about reducing use. even a little makes a big difference!
conservation is about preservation through thoughtful practices.
conservation is about smart solutions for each situation.

SOIL
in trouble since the mid-forties, soil qualities can be preserved and even repaired with simple techniques. sheet mulching is very effective over six months to improve conditions. even the USDA is adapting to new ideas: http://soils.usda.gov/use/urban/conservation.html

MULCH of almost any kind is conserving. It retains resources in the soil, like moisture and good texture. Mulch also keeps direct sun off of the soil which protects beneficial bacteria and keeps roots cool. More on the mulch page.
Also, CEU Mulch Overview.pdf

WATER
1. saving water isn't difficult surgery.
2. every bit helps
Feel free to implement creative kinds of watering techniques that solve your city problems, and consider ways to capture water when it does rain.

French drains and deep pipe irrigation are two basic methods of capturing waters to direct towards plants and reduce flooding. Trenches and pipe can carry water directly to the root zone, better establishing the plants root system and allowing water to drain well. The Rio Grande Nature Center has deep pipe irrigation at work in the Pollinator Habitat and bosque restoration areas. Visit ecocomposite.org/restoration/deeppipe

If you are interested in an automated waterwise system, drip irrigation is a good choice. Parts are reasonably priced, assembly is straight-forward and systems are usually easy to maintain. THEY DO REQUIRE YEARLY MAINTENANCE, sometimes twice a year. Drip irrigation is best suited for establishing plants and for automation of regular watering. New Mexican conditions are unkind to those materials used for drip irrigation -- be ready to do repairs as the dryness, heat and cold take their toll on pipes.

DRIP IRRIGATION, for do-it-yourselfers, is an advanced level project suited for minds with technical/math ability. It is very important to get an experienced opinion on the upcoming job to assess the work is required, explore any possible obstacles and discover what will fit into the budget. Planning saves time and money while preventing accidents! Plumbing can be quirky.

There are three basic parts to a drip system: a filter regulator assembly, tubing and the set-up for each planting or plant. Each plant set-up will have 'emitters' that regulate the amount of water dispensed from the tubing at the watering site. And that rate of flow (gallons per hour or GPH) is the way to select a appropriate emitter for the plant type.

Assistance is available on a walk-in basis at the GG supply shop. Research the details before digging begins!

TIME & ENERGY
Using simple approaches with a thoughtful plan can save time. Conserving time can be fun too by working with friends or family on growing projects.
Share the load and preserve a sense of community.

 
 
GARDENERS'GUILD Hq:
ALBUQUERQUE NM 87108   505.268.2719   info@gardenersguild.org 
SERVICES: member consultations scheduled TUES-FRIDAYS. email or call for an appt.
   classes, community days and member socials SATURDAYS. find the activity calendar here.
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