A practical waterwise garden guide

Make your desert garden feel at home.

The sun is enthusiastic here. Your water bill may be less so. Find practical help for catching rain, watering thoughtfully, and choosing plants that suit your corner of Arizona.

Estimate roof runoff Explore plant resources

Water-smart demonstration garden in Avondale, Arizona, with agave, shrubs, and drought-tolerant ground cover — Water-smart garden at Avondale City Hall. Photo: U.S. EPA, public domain.

Start with what you want to solve

Tool

How much rain can my roof catch?

Add your roof area and a rainfall amount. We’ll show the math, no rain dance required.

Guide

When should I water?

Plants did not get the memo about your calendar. Learn why age, weather, and soil matter.

Reference

What might thrive here?

Find Arizona plant lists and a few things to check before bringing home a new leafy roommate.

Guide

Can I reuse this water?

Rain and household graywater are different. Here’s a friendly starting point and the official guidance.

Method

Show me the homework

See the calculator assumptions, links, and how we keep the information grounded.

Start local. Advice for Tucson, Phoenix, higher-elevation Arizona, and other dry regions can differ. This first version focuses on Arizona's low desert and links to local public and university resources. Use your local Cooperative Extension and water provider for location-specific guidance.

This site is an independent educational project. It is not affiliated with the University of Arizona, AMWUA, or Arizona state agencies.