Earning Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badges

Garden Gate

16. Water Management

Beginner

• Research the benefits of planting native plants and list three you could add to your garden.
• Identify the type of soil you have and how this affects your watering practices.
• Research the best times to water to minimize water loss.
• What is deep watering? Is this something that would work for your garden?

Intermediate

• Research soil quality and its effect on water absorption and retention. Name two ways you can improve your soil quality.
• Why is mulching your garden integral to soil water retention? Which materials are best for mulching?
• Which ground covers are best for your area/soil type for water retention?

Expert

• Why are drip lines an efficient way to water? Is this something that could fit into your garden landscape?
• Research the various rain/runoff water-collection and/or water-redirection methods. Would any of these methods work for your space?
• Finally, choose at least three of the methods researched in any level of this badge and use them to better manage and reduce your garden water consumption.

April, 2024 Edition