Use mulch—either biotic material (wood chips or compost) or abiotic material (rock)—around the base of your plants. This helps reduce evaporation.

Use compost to enrich the soil. Composting is easy with a bin from the city, a DIY container, or simply a pile turned regularly.

Other ways to be more sustainable include:

• Planting native plants and drought tolerant plants.
• Harvesting rainwater from your roof by making a channel to direct the run-off into your yard rather than into the street.
• Reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides.
• Reducing the size of your grass lawn if it's not being used.
• Watering in the evening when the evaporation rate is lower.
• Avoiding overwatering. After a plant has been established in your garden, water less frequently.
• Using targeted irrigation such as a drip system or your hose