💧Water is life. It nourishes our gardens, hydrates our animals, and sustains every living thing around us. At The Farm Life, we see water not just as a resource—but as a gift. And in the face of hotter summers and longer dry spells, protecting that gift has never been more important.
That’s why water conservation is at the heart of how we live, grow, and teach.
🌱 Honoring the Old Ways
Our ancestors knew the value of water. They stored rain in barrels, watered plants at dawn, and planted wisely with the seasons. Today, we carry those same practices forward, blending tradition with simple innovation.
Here’s how we conserve water on the farm—and how you can too.
🌧 1. Harvest the Rain
Rainwater harvesting is one of the most effective ways to conserve water.
At The Farm Life, we collect rain in barrels and cisterns, using it to irrigate our gardens and refill animal troughs.
How you can start:
- Install a rain barrel under a gutter downspout
- Use a mesh screen to keep out debris and mosquitoes
- Water your plants with it during dry spells
Even one barrel can make a big difference!
🌿 2. Mulch for Moisture
Covering garden beds with straw, wood chips, or leaves keeps moisture in the soil longer.
This not only reduces the need for watering—it also nourishes the soil and keeps weeds down.
Traditional tip: In hot, dry climates, mulch has always been a farmer’s best friend.
⏱ 3. Water Wisely
We water early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun is low and less water is lost to evaporation.
We also group plants with similar water needs and use drip irrigation to target roots, not leaves.
Watering rule of thumb: Deep and infrequent is better than shallow and daily.
🌵 4. Choose Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants
Plants that are adapted to your region need less water and care.
We love growing hardy herbs, native wildflowers, and vegetables that can thrive in our Arizona sun.
Bonus: These plants also support pollinators and reduce your workload.
đź› 5. Fix Leaks, Save Water
A dripping faucet or a cracked hose can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time.
We make regular inspections part of our farm routine—and encourage others to do the same.
Pro tip: Walk your garden with a bucket in hand. If you spot leaks or soggy patches, fix them early.
🌍 6. Teach the Next Generation
Every child who volunteers at The Farm Life learns how precious water is.
From filling chicken buckets carefully to watering seedlings mindfully, they grow up with respect for nature—and the knowledge to preserve it.
Because the habits we plant today become the harvest of tomorrow.
đź’§ Every Drop Counts
At The Farm Life, we believe that sustainability is about stewardship. When we conserve water, we’re not just saving money—we’re honoring our land, protecting our crops, and ensuring future generations can do the same.
Whether you’re on a farm, in a backyard, or tending a patio garden, you have the power to be part of the solution.
Want to learn more?
Come visit us for a hands-on workshop, which may include a build a rain barrel day. Together, we’ll keep the land thriving—one drop at a time.
“Sowing real seeds of change starts with a single drop.”
Stay rooted. Stay hopeful. Stay sustainable.
Founder/CEO –At Harvesting Change & The Farm Life, our mission is to sow real seeds of change by nurturing a hands-on, inclusive learning environment rooted in sustainable farming, community connection, and traditional wisdom rooted in equity, sustainability, and social justice. We cultivate more than just gardens—we grow knowledge, resilience, and relationships that nourish people of all races, genders, and ages and the land alike.