Be a Water Super Hero! How to Conserve Water in the Garden!
It was nice to finally see some sunshine this week! And the mercury is only set to rise with summer only weeks away. Now is a good time to develop some healthy ‘water saving ‘ habits around the garden. Waste not want not!
It was nice to finally see some sunshine this week! And the mercury is only set to rise with summer only weeks away. Now is a good time to develop some healthy ‘water saving ‘ habits around the garden. Waste not want not!
Source: isustainableearth.com
· 1) Plan your Plants!
Choose water efficient plants that have adapted to warmer climates. They often will not require any more water that what nature provides.
Group plants together in terms of how much water they use up. This is also referred to as ‘hydrozoning’ .It ensures that plants receive the correct amount of water.
· 2) Mulch
“The best time-saving measure a gardener can take is applying mulch” (Organic Gardening). Every part of your garden will benefit from mulch- veggie patches, flowers beds and every other part in between. Aside from keeping areas weed and pest free, mulch has the added benefit of making plants more drought-resistant as it prevents water evaporation.
· 3) Aerate the Lawn
If your lawn receives a lot of traffic, then the chances are that the soil underneath has become compacted. This can prevent the absorption of essential nutrients and water. Spring is a good time to start aerating as it gives the lawn time to heal before summer.
Remove any debris from the lawn and mow it. Then poke holes in the lawn about 10cm deep and about 20cm apart. Apply a thin, even layer of top dressing and then, voila!
· 4) Warm Season Grass
Native, ‘warm season’ grasses are best for our tropical climate. Buffalo, Kikuyu and Couch are common in NSW. They require less water than ryegrass or meadow grass, which are common in the US and UK. Be careful not to cut your grass too short in summer. The grass tips can provide some shade to the shallow soil underneath.
· 5) When and How to water
It is best to water your plants and lawn early in the morning or else later in the afternoon. The sun is at its highest and warmest at midday, so by watering at this time, most of the precious water will evaporate into the air, leaving your thirsty plants needing more.
Trigger operated nozzle head hoses and watering cans are the most efficient. This targeted watering allows you to water deeply at the roots, as opposed to just spraying water everywhere. Sprinklers, although convenient, tend to be wasteful. Nozzle heads that create a mist also tend to waste more water as it gets carried away in the wind.
Choose water efficient plants that have adapted to warmer climates. They often will not require any more water that what nature provides.
Group plants together in terms of how much water they use up. This is also referred to as ‘hydrozoning’ .It ensures that plants receive the correct amount of water.
· 2) Mulch
“The best time-saving measure a gardener can take is applying mulch” (Organic Gardening). Every part of your garden will benefit from mulch- veggie patches, flowers beds and every other part in between. Aside from keeping areas weed and pest free, mulch has the added benefit of making plants more drought-resistant as it prevents water evaporation.
· 3) Aerate the Lawn
If your lawn receives a lot of traffic, then the chances are that the soil underneath has become compacted. This can prevent the absorption of essential nutrients and water. Spring is a good time to start aerating as it gives the lawn time to heal before summer.
Remove any debris from the lawn and mow it. Then poke holes in the lawn about 10cm deep and about 20cm apart. Apply a thin, even layer of top dressing and then, voila!
· 4) Warm Season Grass
Native, ‘warm season’ grasses are best for our tropical climate. Buffalo, Kikuyu and Couch are common in NSW. They require less water than ryegrass or meadow grass, which are common in the US and UK. Be careful not to cut your grass too short in summer. The grass tips can provide some shade to the shallow soil underneath.
· 5) When and How to water
It is best to water your plants and lawn early in the morning or else later in the afternoon. The sun is at its highest and warmest at midday, so by watering at this time, most of the precious water will evaporate into the air, leaving your thirsty plants needing more.
Trigger operated nozzle head hoses and watering cans are the most efficient. This targeted watering allows you to water deeply at the roots, as opposed to just spraying water everywhere. Sprinklers, although convenient, tend to be wasteful. Nozzle heads that create a mist also tend to waste more water as it gets carried away in the wind.
· 6) Collect Water
A water tank is a way of saving water for an ‘unrainy’ day. Check with your local council before installing of course!
Instead of throwing unused water from boiling vegetables down the sink, why not use it as a fertiliser. It is filled with nutrients that your garden will love
A water tank is a way of saving water for an ‘unrainy’ day. Check with your local council before installing of course!
Instead of throwing unused water from boiling vegetables down the sink, why not use it as a fertiliser. It is filled with nutrients that your garden will love
Sources: Water Corporation, Organic Gardening
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