Water is a precious and limited resource, so we all need to be smart when using it. Here’s a few key tips from us on how to use water efficiently
Harvest the Rainwater
Install a water butt on your guttering downpipe. This will capture the rain that falls on the roof of your home, ready to use in the garden. It reduces the amount of water you’ll use from the tap and is actually better for your plants too. If you don’t have space for a water butt, improve the water capacity of your soil by adding organic materials such as manure so that more water stays in the soil.
Use a Hose Gun or Watering Can
An unfiltered hose can use about 1000 litres an hour, equivalent to the same amount of water one person would normally use in an entire week. Using a hose gun or watering can will reduce water usage significantly, and help you become more aware of the amount of water you use. Be sure to water the base of your plants, not the foliage as most of that water will just evaporate.
Mulch Your Garden
Mulching is a simple and attractive way to help your plants better retain the water that you give them. It involves putting a protective layer on top of the compost that surrounds your plants. Good protective layers include bark and gravel chippings. Once you’ve placed your chippings down, they will protect your soil from the sun and prevent water from evaporating.
Use a Micro Irrigation System
A micro irrigation system involves setting up mini drippers or sprinklers in your borders. They are great because the water only goes exactly where it needs to, and you can easily tailor a micro irrigation system from Gardena to your needs. Using these with a water timer on your garden tap will further ensure the water only reaches your plants when it needs to, avoiding the warmest parts of the day.
Use Grey Water for your Plants
When you finish washing up, have a bath or shower, or change the water in a coldwater fish tank, collect the waste water (also called grey water). You can then use this to water your plants. This recycled water is perfect for use as the soil will filter out any dirt, debris and soap. If you’re using fish tank water this will contain nutrients for your plants too.
Don’t Completely Fill the Paddling Pool
When the weather warms up, it’s fun to fill the paddling pool but there are still ways to be water efficient. On average, every inch lower the water level gets saves around 30-60 litres of water, so don’t fill it up all the way but just enough to have fun. You can then cover the pool at the end of the day and use the water again. Once it’s time to empty it, use the water to water the plants in your garden.
