Saving water in the garden

Be a weather watcher

Plants don't need to be wet all of the time, and some plants can be overwatered, leading them to stop taking on water altogether.

So it's better to keep an eye on the weather to see if it is set to rain so it can water your plants, and you won't have to.

Opt for drought-proof plants

Look out for plants with smaller leaves or silver foilage that reflect the sunlight and reduce the amount of leaf transpiration. Lavender and Rosemary are great examples. Succulents are also good as they have evolved to cope with drought.

Protecting your soil

Using mulch, like bark chippings, creates a barrier between the soil and the sun, allowing water to penetrate so plants get more water.

Alternatively, you can use swell gel pouches that help store water that the plant roots can extract as required.

Water by the buttload

Plants prefer the natural untreated goodness of rainwater as it is the exact pH level they like. It also means water isn't drawn from the mains supply in the tap and can help reduce those bills.

Collecting rainwater in a water butt is a healthier option for plants, the planet and your wallet.

Welcome the watering can

A hose can use up to 1000 litres of water a minute, so switching to a watering can will use less.

If you are unable to make adaptions not to use a hosepipe, installing a trigger on the hose, will stop drawing water through when you're not actually using it.

Waiting for the right time to water

It is much better for your plants to be watered late in the evening or early in the morning when the ground is cooler.

Watering when it's cooler will prevent water from evaporating and means your plants will get the most out of their water.