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EVERGREEN LEVEL 2
DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS
Buffalo Park Community Garden is currently operating under Evergreen Metropolitan
District (EMD) Level 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions. Please note the following
guidelines for your plots:
Water before 10 AM or after 6 PM.
Use a nozzle with a shut-off or drip system.
Looking ahead. Unless we start receiving significant weekly precipitation, EMD anticipates moving to Level 3 (Crisis Water Management) on or around June 1. Under Level 3, the garden water spigots may be shut off. Gardeners should hand-water their plots using a hose with a shut-off nozzle. Gardeners may also bring water from home. We encourage you to prepare now. The following practices can significantly reduce how much water your plot requires:
Mulch generously. A 2–3 inch layer of straw or shredded leaves around your plants slows evaporation, moderates soil temperature, and reduces watering frequency. Wood chips reduce critical soil nutrients, so use them around your beds to discourage weeds.
Water less often and more deeply. Once seedlings have emerged, shift to watering every other day and water more deeply. Shallow, frequent watering encourages shallow roots. Watering less often but more thoroughly trains roots to go deeper, where soil stays moist longer.
Water at the root zone. Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or careful hand-watering directed at the base of plants (rather than on the plants) reduces evaporation and keeps foliage dry.
Time your watering. Early morning is ideal; water has time to reach roots before midday heat. Evening watering is acceptable, but it can promote fungal issues.
Prioritize strategically. If water becomes scarce, direct it first to recently transplanted seedlings and fruiting plants. Established plants with deep roots can tolerate more stress.
Let some crops go. Cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach that are bolting in the heat may not be worth the water. Consider pulling them and holding that water for higher-value plants.
Shade cloth. A 30–50% shade cloth over crops that are heat-sensitive can reduce water demand and extend the productive season. The garden will communicate any changes in drought status as soon as they are confirmed. Our gardens have weathered dry seasons before. With thoughtful adaptation, we can protect our plots and continue growing through this one.
Helpful resources:
EMD Drought Management & Current Status: https://evergreenmetro.colorado.gov/evergreen-metropolitan-district-drought-management
Growing food with less water (CPR News): https://www.cpr.org/2026/05/03/heres-how-to-grow-your-own-food-with-less-water-even-in-a-drought/
Colorado Mountain Gardening Basics (CSU Extension): https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/colorado-mountain-gardening-basics/
Watering a Home Landscape During Drought (CSU Extension): https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/watering-a-home-landscape-during-drought/
Crop Water Use and Growth Stages (CSU Extension): https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/crop-water-use-and-growth-stages/
Thank you for your stewardship,
Buffalo Park Community Garden
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