• Soil with high organic content retains water wellpea shoots image by TMLP from Fotolia.com
  
  "Plant in moist, well-draining soil," is a frequently heard recommendation for home gardeners. Soil must retain moisture well to give plant roots a steady supply. Sandy soils drain too quickly and lose valuable water, while clay soils allow water to pool on the surface. Soil with adequate organic matter content retains water at optimum levels. Some areas of the United States have drought conditions that require gardeners to use techniques for water conservation. Vegetable gardens in raised bed boxes also benefit from water retention techniques.
  
  

Hydrozone Planting

• Hydrozoning is the grouping together of different kinds of plants according to their water needs. Plants such as ferns, begonias and fuchsia thrive together with a frequent watering schedule. Succulents planted together survive long periods without being watered. Vegetable gardens need irrigation every two to three days.
  
  Water hydrozones deeply but as infrequently as the plants can tolerate. Adjust the irrigation schedule according to natural rainfall and climate demands. Signs of overwatering are constantly moist topsoil and yellow, wilting leaves.
  
  

Mulch

• Providing a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around plants reduces soil moisture loss and weed seed germination. Straw, shredded bark, newspaper, black plastic and organic compost are all effective mulch materials. Topsoil protected by mulch is also less likely to erode.
  
  Mulching with bark provides a decorative cover for landscaped flower beds. Backyard compost used as mulch is easy to make in a compost bin or open pile. Compost as mulch provides a slow-release of nutrients to the soil as well as moisture retention. Garden centers provide a wide variety of mulch materials.
  
  

Drip Irrigation

• Drip irrigation systems reduce water use by 50 to 70 percent, according the Los Angeles Smartgardening Program. Drip irrigation hoses and low-volume "bubble emitters" allow you to water specific areas of the garden with minimum evaporation loss. Soil retains moisture more easily when it is not flooded with water.
  
  Soil with high organic content uses drip irrigation most effectively. Drip irrigation systems have sprinkler heads you can adjust for low volume. Automatic systems have program timers to allow watering in the cooler morning time, which also reduces evaporation loss.