Using fertilizers Managing soil tilth to include additional organic matter will promote water penetration and retention. Organic material can include plant residue from garden plants, leaves, straw, manure, sawdust, bark, etc. Apply these additions annually. Adequate fertility levels will help produce crops that require limited water. Placing fertilizer in a band 2 inches below and 2 inches to the side of the seed will provide maximum efficiency.
Excess fertilizer can cause burning of the roots if soil moisture is low.
Cultivating and weeding A number of good gardening practices will help in conservation efforts. From the start, weed control is very important in your garden. Weeds waste water, and they compete with vegetable plants for nutrients and sunlight. For maximum water use, maintain excellent weed control in your garden. Cultivation of the soil should be shallow.