Water conservation is a hot topic in the gardening world and if long-term climate forecasts are correct it will become an increasing challenge for us. In my view, “sustainability” has always been part of good garden practice. Working with the soil conditions your plot offers, or perhaps manipulating it a little without forcing it, makes perfect sense, whereas fighting against soil condition to impose your desires can never work for long and will always end in tears. Many good gardeners I know don’t actually water most of their plants because they know that perennials, trees and shrubs perform better if their roots prospect down deeper into the soil searching for water themselves. If they don’t survive then try growing something else that does. Some plants do, however, need some encouragement and a regular drink, especially when young or grown in pots and most edibles will produce bigger crops as a result of regular watering.
Focus on what needs watering
Rather than randomly watering the entire garden look to be efficient and use it only where it’s really needed. Check the weather forecast to see if it will rain in the next day or two, and if so don’t water established ornamental plants grown in the ground. Concentrate on pots and containers (which may need watering even if it has rained recently as they are extremely free draining), seedling plants and anything newly planted that’s trying to establish a root system that may dry out and lead to a stressed plant (and owner). Leafy vegetables and moisture-loving edibles such as beans, peas, tomatoes and plants in the process of developing soft fruit need good levels of moisture in the soil too.
How to water
Light sprinkling is a big no-no and you’re often better not watering at all. If only the soil surface is wetted the plant’s roots are drawn up to the top, discouraging strong root development and making it less likely to cope with dry periods. Water thoroughly, right down into the soil or compost around the roots, rather than the plant leaves. A hose with a nozzle or a gun on the end means you can control it and stop the flow, instantly leading to less wastage. Scratch the surface of the soil because although it may appear dry on top there may be plenty of moisture an inch or two below. Stand pots in saucers to prevent water draining away and place them out of the midday sun so they don’t dry out so quickly.
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When to water
Water either early in the morning or in the evening so that the water doesn’t evaporate during the heat of the day. The morning is preferable because some of the softer plants may develop fungal diseases if left wet overnight. Avoid wetting delicate or young leaves in direct sunshine as they may scorch.
Mulching
Dressing the top of the soil around plants with compost or any well-rotted organic matter locks moisture into the soil, reduces weeding and improves the soil over time. Never mulch when the soil is dry because it will draw the moisture out, wait until some heavy rainfall or water key plants before mulching.
Lawns
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Lawns are always seen as major drinkers and as a result they are overwatered to keep the sward lush and green. This really is a total luxury and can easily be left during hot dry spells rather than using tap water. OK, the grass may go a touch yellow but it won’t die and it will always green up quickly after some decent rain. Raise the mower setting to cut it longer when it’s dry to help to retain moisture.
Harvesting water and grey water
If you have any roofs that can capture water, either from a building, shed or greenhouse, then make best use of it by fitting a water butt or two using a simple downpipe kit. Make sure to raise it off the ground so you can get a watering can to the tap, or buy an electric pump that will link directly to a hosepipe. Most councils can help with good-priced or even subsidised products, and there are many available in garden centres or online. “Grey water” is old bath and shower water and is absolutely fine to be used directly on the lawn or garden plants. Make a Heath Robinson contraption for the shower outlet or use a simple submersible pump for the bath water connected to a hosepipe. Don’t recycle clothes-washing water because its detergents are too strong, and washing-up water will contain food traces, which can encourage vermin. Use grey water immediately and never try to store it. It is unlike rainwater, which will remain clean for ages as long as it’s kept out of direct sunlight.