Be water wise - tips for your garden
During the summer the amount of water we use in gardens can soar by up to 70% of our daily total. There are lots of ways to enjoy a healthy, green garden and protect the environment without using lots of water.
Fit a water butt
Use a water butt to collect rainwater – plants prefer rainwater to tap water. Fix one to a drainpipe on your house, garage, shed or greenhouse. To buy a water butt visit www.sew2u.com.
Ditch the sprinkler
Avoid using a sprinkler which can use as much water in an hour as a family of six in one day. Gardeners using sprinklers must have a water meter fitted.
Lawn care
Avoid watering lawns - they can survive long periods of dry weather and will revive when a dry spell ends. Allow your grass to grow longer during dry periods and leave the clippings on the lawn.
Watering tips
Water during the early morning or late evening when less water evaporates and don t waste water on well established trees and shrubs. When watering, aim the water directly at the roots and water less frequently, but thoroughly, to encourage plants to grow deeper roots.
Apply a mulch
Apply mulch such as organic matter, plastic sheets or stone chippings to reduce soil moisture loss. Ground cover plants make the best mulches because they shade the ground and are cost effective.
Weeding
Keep weeds at bay – these compete with plants for water.
Grey water
Use bath, shower or laundry water on plants but only if it’s not too greasy or soapy.
Hanging baskets
Use a water-retaining gel for pots and hanging baskets.