Water-Wise Gardening in Drought-Stricken West

0:00It's April 30th. This is Global News Today, AI-powered stories from around the world. Droughts hitting hard across the west, from Colorado to California, with low snowpack starving rivers and lakes. Cities like Denver slapped on watering bands as early as March 25th, their quickest ever, while places like Salt Lake City push voluntary cuts. But you can still grow your own veggies, water smart, even in dry spells. Those are tapping smart sources beyond the tap rain barrels, shower warm up water, even air conditioner drip. Gray water from veggie rinses, or outdoor showers, feeds plants without wasting a drop. Rainwater packs extra oxygen too, making roots thrive better than city supply. Gardeners feel the pinch personally, sharing tips on mines to cut back responsibly. Healthy soils soak up less water if you load it with compost and test for nutrients first. Take local heirlooms, or low water hybrids, that match your climate. Shield plants from sun and wind with close planting, fences, or waffle beds that trap every

1:04bit of moisture. Mulch locks it in, skips weeds, but skip wood kinds that steal nutrients. Drift systems or soker hoses deliver deep, infrequent drinks, think one hour every three days to push roots down deep. Families like one in Denver are switching from daily sprinkles. Getting small changes, stretch every gallon far.