Gardening for Clean Water

1
Gardening for Clean Water
2
Problems in Austins water

• DDT and chlordane are still present in sediments
  in Town Lake
• Atrazine, an herbicide in weed n feed, is
  detected in 75 of Austin springs
• In northwest Austin, nutrient levels in urban
  springs are 8 times higher than springs in
  undeveloped areas
• Common herbicides are consistently showing up in
  sediments collected from water quality ponds

3
Pervious vs. Impervious
Water soaks in
Water and pollutants run off
4
Effects of Pervious vs. Impervious
5
School gardens make a difference!
6
Pre-Planning

• Obtain administrative approval for installing a
  garden bed.
• Determine who will use and maintain the garden
  bed both during the school year and over the
  summer.
• Have a 2 year maintenance plan in place

7
Stage 1 Design

• Determine the best location for installing a
  garden bed.
• Factor in convenience for classes, light
  conditions, access to water, and existing
  hard-scape and plants.
• Determine the shape and size of your garden bed.
• Determine if you will be installing a raised bed
  or open garden bed.
• Have a student competition to see who designs the
  best garden bed.

8
Stage 2 Construction
Plastic border (cheapest)
Rocks from school grounds (free)
Raised beds
9
Stage 3 Soil Prep

• Remove all weeds first
• Amend existing soils with 2-3 of
• organic compost, well-rotted manure
• or Dillo Dirt

10
Stage 4 Planting

• Choose native or adapted plants
• Give plants space
• Plant some seeds
• Know how much plants will spread
• Consider watering needs, deer resistance,
  wildlife needs

11
Stage 5 Mulching

• After planting, lay down a thick layer of
  newspaper, cardboard or weed fabric
• Mulch 2-3 inches thick

Mulch is composed of shredded wood/ wood chips.
It helps to retain moisture for plants.
12
Keep water on the land
Water Retention Pond
Pond
Rain Barrel rain water collection
13

RESOURCES

• www.growgreen.org
• www.keepaustinbeautiful.org/campusresources
• www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife/