My house is very dry, and I seem to have to water my plants all the time. Is there any way to cut down on this chore?

Here are three ways to reduce evaporation: (1) Pot plants in nonporous containers (not terracotta). (2) Set each clay pot inside a tight-fitting, glazed container – but be careful not to overwater. If you water too heavily, you’re likely to create a stagnant pool in the bottom of the outer container. This may soak up into the clay pot and rot the roots. (3) Set each clay pot inside the next-size larger clay pot and fill the space between with sphagnum moss which is kept damp.