Wise Watering: Tips for Efficient Water Use and Conservation in Your Garden

Looks like we're in for more of this dry weather. Although we do love the sun, this can also be a stressful time for gardeners as they fear the loss of young plants and of course dreaded drought conditions.

By adopting mindful water conservation practices, we can minimise water usage while still maintaining healthy, vibrant gardens.

Here are some practical tips to help you conserve water in your garden during a dry spell:

  • Upgrade your irrigation system to ensure efficient water delivery to your plants. Drip irrigation is an excellent choice as it delivers water directly to the root zone, minimising evaporation and reducing waste. Install a timer to avoid overwatering and adjust the schedule based on weather conditions.
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to root zone.
  • Applying a layer of organic mulch around your plants helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation. Mulch also acts as a barrier against weeds, which can compete for water resources. 
Mulching reduces water loss from evaporation especially during dry weather.
  • Water your garden during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and evaporation rates are lower. This can be made easy with an automatic irrigation timer, it connects directly to the tap and controls irrigation according to the duration and frequency selected.
Flex Irrigation Controller - easy to set up and use.
  • Regularly inspect your garden for leaks, damaged sprinklers, or any other water-related issues. Fixing these problems promptly can save significant amounts of water. Replace any worn out or leaking irrigation fittings. We stock Geka irrigation components, which are made from sturdy nickle plated brass. They are fully compatible with all other customary push-fit systems, meaning you can slowly replace older plastic versions and don’t need to overhaul the whole irrigation system.
Catching a leak early can save a lot of water!
  • Remove weeds regularly as they compete with your plants for water. Weeds can quickly deplete moisture from the soil and reduce the effectiveness of your watering efforts. Properly maintain your garden by pruning, fertilising, and controlling pests to ensure plants are healthy and can better withstand drought conditions.
We've got a great selection of weeding tools.
  • Lastly, a more long term solution would be to consider setting up rainwater collectors to capture water runoff from your roof. This harvested water can be used to irrigate your garden during dry periods. It's a sustainable and cost-effective way to supplement your water supply.

Find our full range of irrigation equipment here.