Maintaining your lawn and garden can be somewhat more challenging during periods of drought and mandatory water restrictions. Here are some water-wise techniques to help you grow, maintain and enjoy your landscape.

Open the soil with aeration:
If you haven't already aerated your lawn in the spring, do so before temperatures get extremely and continually hot. Core aeration will relieve soil compaction and allow water to soak down deeper which encourages a more drought-enduring lawn. It also makes roots grow deeper and reduces thatch buildup.

Fertilize prudently
Reduce applications of high nitrogen lawn fertilizer. Fast growing lawns demand more water. Instead, use slow-release fertilizers that are formulated for our alkaline soils that contain iron and sulfur. In the heat of summer use iron rich fertilizers that will maintain a healthy lawn without promoting lush, fast grow.

Set the lawn mower higher
To reduce moisture loss from the soil and promote a deeper root system, adjust the mowing height to the highest setting, two to three inches. Also, make sure the blade is sharp so it cuts the grass blades evenly and cleanly. This reduces lawn diseases and conserves water.

Let lawn clippings lie where they fall
If you mow often enough, leave grass clippings on the turf or use a mulching mower. Recycling clippings provides a source of organic nutrients and serves as a light mulch to conserve moisture.

Tune in to the JOHN and JERI SHOW on 630 KHOW Saturday morning from 7 to 9 for more Gardening in the Rockies Tips and listen for "Ask the Gardener" questions featured on 7NEWS. John Cretti is the author of the first state specific book "Colorado Gardener's Guide"