Water and Irrigation
We can have great lawns and gardens and conserve water too. The Wichita area receives 32.62 inches of rainfall annually, but rainfall is not adequate for optimum growth in parts of the year. Approximately 1/2 of all residential water use is on lawns and gardens during summer months. By adopting Xeriscape Principles (low water landscape design and maintenance) we can significantly reduce water applications and still have attractive landscapes. Practices such as core aeration of lawns and working in compost prior to planting will increase the infiltration of both rainfall and irrigation.
Drip irrigation systems are an efficient method of watering landscape beds and gardens. Water is not lost in the wind to evaporation as in overhead
watering systems.
Programs We Offer
Most of our gardening classes include information on appropriate watering practices and water conservation practices for the plants being discussed. We also have offered classes on building and using rain barrels.
On Our Grounds
We use drip irrigation on the majority of our grounds, with the exception of the irrigated fescue around our building. We have functioning rain barrels in both the Demonstration Garden and the Shade Garden. Signage explaining more about rain barrels is located near the Demonstration Garden rain barrels.
FAQs
How do I know if my well water is good for irrigation?
In parts of Sedgwick County we have problems with poor water quality for irrigation due to high levels of sodium or in total soluble salts. Water from many wells are not suitable for irrigation and can cause long term damage to soils. If you question the suitability of the water for irrigation (if plants are scorching or showing white residues on the foliage) bring a pint of water (use a plastic water bottle) to the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center for irrigation quality testing. This is sent to K-State for analysis. Cost for analysis is $15.00.
How do I build, install, and use rain barrels?
What are the keys to having a WaterWise Yard?
For All Yards:
- Landscape is designed to exist primarily on rainfall (30.38" per year in Wichita) once established.
- Lawns, shrubs, flowers and fruit/vegetable gardens are watered only as necessary to sustain growth and plant health (in compliance with local water restrictions).
- Watering is done early in the morning, or if done in the evening, completed at least 2 hours before dark.
For Irrigated Yards:
- Functioning smart-irrigation technology is used, such as soil moisture and water loss sensors and/or other automated devices.
- Irrigation does not water sidewalks and driveways.
- System is set to apply 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week.
- Separate zones for lawn and landscape areas are maintained.
- Rain shut-off device is installed and is working properly.
- Drip or micro-irrigation is installed in shrub/flower beds and fruit/vegetable gardens.
- If smart-irrigation sensors are not present, rain gauge is used to monitor rainfall.
- Proper backflow devices are in place.
For Non-Irrigated Yards:
- Turf is allowed to go dormant during dry periods.
- Lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and fruit, vegetable gardens are only watered deeply and infrequently.
- A rain gauge is used to monitor rainfall.
