In your garden

Many of us love gardening and relish watching our plants grow – and it is definitely possible to keep gardening while not wasting water. Let’s consider some easy ways to save water in the garden so we can enjoy the outdoor lifestyle in our region. Basically, it’s all about efficiency – if we make sure we use water efficiently, and not waste it – we can have our garden and reap all kinds of benefits at the same time.

What is a water efficient garden?

 
• Water efficient gardens can reduce your water bills and running costs.
• They can require less maintenance, allowing more time for other activities.
• Water efficient gardens use plants that attract native birds, making your garden a more enjoyable, relaxing environment.
• A water efficient garden directs water to where it is needed, so there are no problems with runoff or erosion.
• They are not only pleasing to the eye, they can also use the available space in the most practical way. This allows you to get the most out of your garden.
• A water efficient garden contributes less to stormwater flow, reducing the need for costly public stormwater projects.
• Water efficient gardens can be healthy gardens. By using the correct products and plants, you can maintain plant life and improve soil conditions.

Making a water efficient garden
Firstly, we should be careful about what we plant - as the driest populated continent on earth, we can't afford gardens that require excessive amounts of water. So we should take care to use plants that are suitable to the environment where we live and which don’t regularly need large amounts of water. The savewater website has many useful and practical ideas for building water efficient gardens. Link to http://www.savewater.com.au

Here’s some other useful tips:
• Use mulch - mulch can reduce evaporation from soil by up to 70%. Mulch is like a blanket on the soil. It keeps the soil cool and it reduces evaporation because the soil is not exposed to dry air and drying winds.
• Use compost - compost provides valuable nutrients and encourages drainage, while keeping the soil moist
• Use trigger operated nozzles in hoses – you can then only use water when you need it
• Check for leaks in the hoses and taps
• Water new plants before removing from pots, then place in the prepared garden. Water well and allow to drain. Follow this by regular watering until plants are established.
• Consider installing a tank to use for watering your garden - rainwater is excellent for the garden and can save water bills.
• Re-use household water - some water used in the home can be recycled for use on the garden, i.e. a bucket in the shower can save water used while the water is heating up, water used to clean vegetables can be used for the garden, your washing machine water can be diverted to the garden, etc.
• Never water in the heat of the day, most water will evaporate. It is better to water in the evening or early morning so that the water soaks into the soil
• Water plants at the base thoroughly and infrequently, so that water reaches the roots, rather than giving them a light sprinkling more often. Roots will then go down to search for water, making plants stronger.
• Use a rose on your watering can. Water flooded on to the surface will dry to form a hard crust.
• Water only the plants that need it! Some plants, even root vegetables, will survive on very little water. Some, such as potatoes and broad beans, need water when they are filling out and only some, such as lettuces, tomatoes and zucchinis need water throughout the season
• Cut the base off a plastic bottle and bury it upside down next to the plants - poured in water will then get straight to where it matters - the roots.
• Don’t water your lawn - grass can survive for long periods without water and will quickly recover from drought. Unless you totally drench the lawn, watering encourages the roots to come to the surface, thus rendering it less tolerant to dry conditions.
• Raise the blades on your mower so that the lawn is left longer and cut the grass less frequently.
• Maintain your garden and plants so that water is not wasted on dead, diseased or damaged plants. Dead-head flowering plants to encourage new growth and remove any rotten or dead wood.
• Pull weeds out when the shoots first appear, before they compete with your plants for precious water and always before they set seed.