Save money & the environment
SAVE WATER using our top tips below
▶ Grow big plants in your garden. Trees, shrubs and hedges will provide shade and are the least likely to need watering.
▶ Grow flowers that need less water. Some flowers need less water than others to grow: Lavender, Santolina, Sage, Coneflower, Verbena and more.
▶ Mulching. Add the mulch around the plants, such as bark, to the top of the soil. It will stop water from evaporating and add much needed nutrients to keep your plants robust throughout the season.
▶ Watering plants in the morning keeps roots moist through the day and allows foliage to dry quickly, discouraging fungal spores.
▶ Using a watering can instead of a hose will reduce the amount used and give you better control over application, watering the soil rather than the plants themselves. Garden sprinklers left running can use between 500 and 1,000 litres of water an hour.
Tip: Try re-using water from your washing up bowl and kids pool!
▶ Install a water butt in your garden. It can catch large amounts of rainwater a year, and it’s FREE. Rainwater is the best for your plants as it has a lower pH than pipe water. It also has more nitrates to help your plants grow healthy.
Tip: Spray a light coating of olive oil on top of the water to stop mosquitoes from nesting. Use this to water your plants, clean your car and wash your windows.