Summer in Santa Clarita means longer days, outdoor barbecues and soaking up the sunshine, but it also brings rising temperatures and increased water demand. Prepping your yard now can help it thrive through the heat, while keeping your water bill in check and conserving one of our most precious resources.
Here are five essential tips to help get your garden and lawn ready for the season ahead:
1. Spruce Up your Irrigation System
Before summer heat kicks into high gear, inspect your irrigation system to make sure everything is in working order. Look for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and clogged drip emitters. These small issues can add up to major water waste - up to 27 gallons a day from a single leaky sprinkler head!
Not sure where to start? SCV Water offers a free "Home Check Up with Waterwise" and rebates for smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather as well as rebates for high-efficiency nozzles, pressure regulating bodies with check-valves, master pressure regulating devices and drip irrigation incentives, all designed to help your irrigation system operate optimally. It's a win for your wallet and your yard. For more information, visit yourscvwater.com/rebates.
2. Mulch it Up
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do for your garden is to add mulch. A two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature and improve soil health over time. Think of it as sunscreen for your soil!
Bonus: Mulch also gives your landscape a clean, finished look.
3. Water Wisely
Timing is everything. The best time to water is early morning - ideally before 6am - when temperatures are cooler and winds are calm. This reduces evaporation and ensures your plants get the most out of every drop.
Stick to deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth, which makes plants more resilient during hot spells. If you're still using a timer-based controller, consider upgrading to a weather-based smart controller that adjusts automatically. If you prefer your old controller, make sure to program it to use the cycle-and-soak method - run your system for five minutes, wait one hour, run another five minutes, and so on.
4. Plant with Purpose
If you're thinking of refreshing your yard, consider planting climate-appropriate or California native plants. These beauties are built for our hot, dry climate and need far less water than traditional turf and thirsty ornamentals.
Even better - there's a rebate for that! SCV Water's Lawn Replacement Program offers $3 per square foot for converting your grass into a water-wise oasis with approved drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation. For more information, visit yourscvwater.com/rebates.
5. Attend a Free Gardening Class
Want to become a landscape pro? SCV Water hosts free monthly gardening classes led by local landscape experts. Whether you're curious about turf alternatives, irrigation tips, or creating pollinator-friendly gardens, there's a class for you. Most classes are held in person, but you can also check out past virtual courses online. Check out upcoming topics and register at yourscvwater.com/landscape-workshops.
A Greener Future, One Garden at a Time
Creating a summer-ready garden doesn't mean you have to start from scratch. Small changes - like adding mulch, swapping out water-thirsty plants or adjusting your watering schedule - can make a big impact on your landscape's health and your water use.
And remember: SCV Water is here to help every step of the way. From rebates to free home check-ups, and free workshops to landscape design inspiration and conservation tips, the Agency is your partner in building a more water resilient and sustainable Santa Clarita.
Here's to keeping gardens blooming, lawns efficient and the SCV community water-wise this summer and beyond!
To explore rebates, sign up for a gardening class, or get tips to help your yard shine all season long, visit yourscvwater.com/rebates.