You can still enjoy great gardening despite the drought and any hosepipe ban. Just follow our tips…
Fit a water butt, or add a second
No garden should be without a water butt these days. They can be fitted easily and there are plenty to choose from in garden and DIY centres. Space saving butts are great for small gardens and patios. Water butts
But why stop at one? Water butts can be connected to each other so that when the first one is full, the water is saved to the second. All you need is a simple connector kit
Choose drought resistant plants
Choose plants that thrive in dryer conditions. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, drought tolerant plants tend to have silver or grey-green leaves, their light leaf colour reflecting the sun’s rays. Some have a coating of fine hairs on their leaves or stems, helping to trap moisture around the plant. Ask at your local garden centre.
Don’t water your lawn
Even without a hosepipe ban, watering your lawn makes it more thirsty. Don’t worry if it starts to look a little dry, the roots will just dig deeper to seek out moisture – and it will recover surprisingly quickly when it rains. Let the grass grow a little longer to trap the moisture in the soil better.
Recycle grey water
Rather than pull the plug after the bath, use the water to irrigate plants and lawns but don’t use this ‘grey’ water on plants you intend to eat. You can get grey water diverter kits that can divert water from pipes directly into a water butt. Failing that use a bucket or syphon.
How to save water and money
Whether you want to cut those metred water bills, keep the garden looking blooming lovely despite the hosepipe ban or simply be more water conscious around the home, we have loads of water saving tips and water saving gadgets for you…
