You garden will need more watering during hot and dry weather but with careful planning, you can reduce how much watering is required (and lower your water bill too). It IS possible to conserve water and still have an attractive, healthy garden and lawn! Here's how...

Choose Plants Suited to the Local Climate

Think about the plants you are using and what their growing requirements are (e.g. soil and water). Choose to use plants where these conditions are met in your local climate and environment so that you don't have to continually supply those needs.

Native plants can be a reliable option and once established, require very little additional water. Cacti and succulents are plants that survive in low water conditions but require soil that drains well.

Group Plants Carefully

Group plants together that have similar watering requirements. This will help to ensure that when you do water, each group will receive their recommended amount.

Group your pots together. By minimising their exposure to the sun you will help to stop them drying out.

Conserving Water on Lawns

It is worth considering how much lawn you really need. Keeping your lawn area to a minimum means you can concentrate your efforts and watering requirements to the area you need.

With water efficiency in mind, select a type of lawn that can withstand dryer periods. Make sure you don't mow your lawn too short. This will promote deeper root growth which in turns helps to strengthen the grass, thicken it to minimise competition from weeds and makes the lawn more drought resistant.

It is not advisable to mow on a very hot day, as this will lead to greater water stress for your lawn.

Using a garden fork, spike the soil to break down compacted zones and allow more rapid soaking in of water. Soak your lawn with a fine spray allowing the water to seep down to the full depth of the root.

See our guide, "Caring for Established Lawns" for some helpful advice on keeping lawns green and weed free.

Effective Watering

Consider when you water. Watering early morning or evening is the best time as the water will be used more effectively by the plants. Watering during the heat of the day is wasteful as the water will evaporate quickly, before it can be used by the plants.

Take your time when watering especially if by hand. Quickly waving the nozzle over the plants is just not effective as the water will only penetrate the top level of the soil. Plants need to have a good soak so that water seeps to their roots. Water one plant at a time if necessary.

Consider the type of sprinkler you are using. Does it cover the area you need? Are there dry spots? Check your water pressure. Are you watering unnecessary areas?

Think about installing a drip watering system. Traditionally this consists of lengths of polytubing to which you attach drip fixtures. Drip systems are the most water efficient systems of all. They deliver a slow trickle of water that seeps deep into the soil. They are less affected by wind and evapouration than spray systems are. See our guide, "Install a Watering System" for more information.

Putting a water timer on your tap can stop under or over watering. See our Watering Department to browse a range of water timers.

Remove weeds, they compete for the moisture and nutrients.

Use Saturaid

Mulching

This is a very effective method of conserving water with the added benefits of cutting down on weeding plus adding vital nutrients to the soil.

Mulching involves covering the ground around your shrubs etc with a material that will break down over the season. The materials used for mulching are varied and often are chosen for the look as well as the benefit. All mulches can of course be dug back in to the garden the following season.

Results Compost - Try laying this on top of the garden instead of digging it in. Compost will add the nutrients to the soil as it breaks down and helps to hold in moisture too.

Tui Pea Straw - Consists of pellets that swell up to 4 times in size when water is added. This product is dry and easy to use, plus it also adds nitrogen to the soil.

Straw - A very effective mulch and particularly good when used around strawberries to keep them of the ground.

Browse a variety of mulch in our Growing Media section.

Water Collection - Rain and Grey Water Recycling

There are a number of ways to collect and reuse water in the home. Rain water can be channelled from your spouting and downpipes into storage tanks. Grey water (water from washing machines, showers, baths etc) can also be filtered and re-used to water your garden.

Mitre 10 has a full range of water harvesting products, including tanks, filters, pumps etc. Please visit your local Mitre 10 store to discuss your water collection and recycling needs.

Summary

If you plan and maintain your landscape with water efficient principles in mind you can conserve water, lower your water bill and still enjoy a lovely garden.