It’s difficult to keep a landscape healthy and water efficient if you mix plants with low, moderate and high water needs within the same irrigation zone. Something’s going to wilt from too little water or turn yellow, rot and die from too much. Select hardy desert-adapted plants that require little water and love full and partial sun. Set the irrigation system to water deeply and infrequently and every plant will thrive.
Check out the table at CVWaterCounts.com/drought-irrigation-guide/ that shows the approximate amount of water different types of landscaping typically need each month. Individual watering times may vary due to soil and other conditions. Gradually reduce the amount of water you’re using to find an adequate amount for your situation without being wasteful. Use this guide as a reminder to change your sprinkler system for each month. As Splash says, when there’s measurable rain, turn your sprinkler system off and keep it off until the ground has dried.
