Waterwise in the garden

Being waterwise in the garden is easy and can actually help your plants.

Too much water is bad for plants, encouraging shallow root growth and making them less hardy.

Top tips for the garden

A watering can is better than a hosepipe for watering your plants, especially one fitted with a rose. It creates smaller droplets, like raindrops, which sink into the ground better. Hosepipes tend to be too rough and can wash away the soil.

Aim the water at the roots not the leaves - otherwise the water runs off and evaporates. Water your garden plants early in the morning or late in the evening, when the weather is cooler.

Connecting a water butt to your drainpipe is an easy way to save water, money and the environment.  The rain water is free to collect, and is also more beneficial to your plants than tap water.  For more information on water butts, please see our water efficient products page.

Avoid digging or hoeing open ground, which allows moisture to escape. A good dig early in the season will be enough, especially if you dig in good organic material at the same time. This will conserve water at a deeper level for the roots.

When choosing plants, consider drought resistant varieties which need less water. For vegetables, get new plants off to a good start with a thorough watering while they're still in their pots or boxes. But try not to water them again after planting. They should be able to cope with all conditions. Only vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes need regular watering.

To stop water dripping away: cut the bottom off an empty plastic bottle, leaving a cone shape. Make a few small holes in the side of the cone and put it in the basket upside down (leave the cap on). SImply fill this container every time you water. It will spread water more evenly and you won't spill water all over the ground.

• Mulch beds to conserve moisture
• Water the roots, not the foliage
• Don't water plants in the sun, it can scorch them

• Let the grass grow longer
• Leave clippings on the top
• Never use a sprinkler
• Avoid over watering your lawn
• Try to water the lawn during the early hours of the morning
• Try not to over fertilise your lawn, it increases the need for water

• Only water plants at initial planting
• Plant closer together
• Use a plastic mulch

• Line terracotta pots
• Use larger containers
• Grow succulent or drought-resistant plants

In just one hour a garden sprinkler can use as much water as a family of four in a day.

• Sprinkler in one hour - 600 litres
• Family of four in one day - 600 litres

When you wash the car, using a bucket rather than a hosepipe will waste less water. Always keep the lights and windows clean for road safety.

• Washing the car with a bucket - 36 litres
• Hosing the car - 100 litres