Use climate compatible, naturally drought tolerant plants in the garden. (Such plants are called xerics — pronounced ZARE-iks or ZEER-iks — and landscaping with such plants is called xeriscaping.) Choose plants that can be lush and healthy under a once per week watering plan. If you are uncertain about what to plant in arid Santa Fe, let our staff help you select appropriate plants. For further information about plants suitable to the Northern New Mexico climate, click on the following links! For general drought tolerant selections, click here. For favorite trees, click here. For favorite vines, click here. For favorite shrubs, click here. For favorite perennials, click here.

Mulch Your Beds and Tree Wells

This is the single most important thing you can do to use water more efficiently in the garden. What is mulch? It is “any substance spread upon the ground to protect the roots of plants from heat, cold, drought or to keep fruit clean” (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary). Homemade or commercial composts make for the best mulch, followed by pecan shells, straw and shredded bark. Layers varying from 1” to 4” deep should be applied 1 or 2 times annually, depending on the type of plant and the type of mulch. Our staff can help you select the best mulch for your situation. For more on mulching your Northern New Mexico garden, click here.

Reduce Watering Frequency &
Increase Watering Depth

Frequent shallow watering can cause the plant to become intolerant of drought by weakening root systems, leading to plant failure if left without water for even short periods of time. Get your plants on a regular deep-watering schedule. If xeric trees, shrubs and perennials are mulched properly, they should get by just fine with one deep soaking per week. For annual flowers and vegetables, two to three soakings per week are sometimes needed and can be done only where local ordinances allow. (Always follow local watering ordinances!)

If you garden in containers, consider adding water-absorbant biodegradeable polymer granules to your potting mixture. The granules act as mini water reservoirs for your potted plants' roots to draw upon between waterings. Proper use of such granules in container soils can reduce watering 25-50%, even in the heat of summer.

During the late fall and winter (November through March), soak your beds deeply: one to two times a month on established plantings and two to three times a month on newly established plants.Water deeply, infrequently, but consistently and only when plants need water. Many plants will wilt in hot weather – don’t panic! This is natural and they will recover in the cooler evening air. If not, look for other problems such as insect- or rodent-caused root damage.

Never Over-Water!

Over-watering is harmful to plants. Over-watering can compact the soil, driving out oxygen and other gases that plants need to thrive. It can also draw salts from the soil to the plant’s roots, causing tissue-burns and malnutrition (because wounded roots can't take up sufficient nutrients from the soil).

Why is fertilizing an important part of watering the garden? Because using the right fertilizer will help you save water! Organic fertilizers and natural minerals re-structure the soil, making it more porous,  allowing water to percolate down into the ground instead of running off. Good fertilizers also increase microbial action in the soil. This in turn nurtures the plants, and healthier plants use water more efficiently! Payne's carries several excellent organic fertilizers proven effective when used as directed.

Most years, Santa Fe is fortunate to get plentiful rainfall during the monsoon season (late June through early August). This may be the best time to establish your new plantings. Always reduce your watering in the wet season, and if you use automatic timers, shut them off when the rainy season starts.

For further information on watering in Northern New Mexico, contact TJ or Sabino at our South Store (988-9626) and Carter or Ephraim at our North Store (988-8011).