How to save water in your garden
We've compiled some simple changes you can make to the way you look after your garden to help save water.
Why it's important to save water
We all love beautiful, thriving gardens. However, there are ways that we can garden more responsibly to save water and protect our environment.
As our climate continues to change, taking steps now will help make sure that we have enough to go around in the future. Thankfully, saving water in your garden can be simple.
Tips for saving water in your garden
Use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler
Hosepipes or sprinklers can use as much as 1,000 litres of clean water an hour. Using a watering can could save up to 4,050 litres a year. You could save even more by filling your watering can with dishwater or leftover water used to boil vegetables or pasta.
Leave your lawn
Lawns go brown in dry weather, but they soon bounce back after rainfall so there's no need to water in between. You can also retain the lawn’s moisture for longer by giving the roots some shade, for example, by letting your grass grow longer during dry spells and leaving the cuttings on the ground after a trim.
Time your watering
Water plants before the sun comes out in the morning or in the evening. This makes the water less likely to evaporate, which saves water and is also better for your plants.
Spread some mulch
Apply a thick layer of mulch, compost or chip bark on your soil between plants. This helps keep the moisture in the soil and also suppresses weeds.
Fit a water butt
A water butt can hold up to 200 litres of water which you can use around your garden. Rainwater is rich in nutrients, so your plants will prefer it to tap water too. If your area is prone to surface flooding, why not try a slow-drain water butt instead?
Water-efficient plants
Did you know that many plants can thrive with minimal watering? These plants are usually ones that are native to warmer climates, so you can create a garden that is both beautiful and uses less water.
Reducing the use of storm overflows
Storm overflows are built into our network to prevent sewers from becoming overwhelmed during periods of heavy rainfall, which can cause flooding of homes and businesses.
The most effective way to reduce our reliance on storm overflows is to reduce the amount of rainwater entering the sewers. While our Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force is working hard to achieve this, you can also help out at home.
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