Please see recommendations below from Scott Houston at West Basin on how to handle garden irrigation during September which we asked about during the meeting:
Our understanding is that a vegetable garden could be handled the same way as some/certain flowers. As such, prior to the shutdown, residents should:
• Water deeply and early the morning of Monday, Sept.5, or on the last day before the shutdown
• Add mulch around your plants three inches from the stem. Do not irrigate mulch, pull it away while watering then put back into place
• Shade your plants where possible. Shading can be done with sun cloth, canopy tents or umbrellas
• Water vegetable garden as normal. Do not overwater as that could harm them
Lastly, it’s worth noting, MWD and West Basin are doing everything we can to reduce water demand during the shutdown. During the shutdown, to avoid outdoor irrigation water use, it’s a great time to get creative and find new opportunities to reimagine how we use water. One excellent strategy for a vegetable garden (which typically doesn’t use much water) might be to place a bucket in your shower to catch water, and then use the water in your garden (hand water the garden). This might turn in to a long- term habit that makes a big difference!