Summer comes with many enjoyable benefits, such as more hours of sunshine, beautiful nature surrounding us, and more time spent enjoying the outdoor air. But with it can come intense heatwaves that pose a number of issues, including potential droughts.
Drought conditions often lead to water shortages, meaning that water companies will bring in a temporary hosepipe ban. During this period, you are not allowed to use a hose pipe, sprinkler, or pressure washer to water your garden as these use far more water than traditional methods.
But fear not – There are a number of ways to keep your garden thriving, and this article by gardening expert Calum Maddock at HomeHow.co.uk will explore them!
Use Watering Cans or Buckets
The simplest and most effective method of watering your garden during a hosepipe ban is to use a watering can or bucket filled from the tap. Filling these items from a mains water tap is permitted and provides a low-tech but effective solution, giving you control over where the water goes and allowing you to target the areas that need it the most.
Prioritise watering for the plants that would really suffer otherwise, such as those growing in containers, anything newly planted, pod and fruit-producing vegetables, and flowers like sweet peas and dahlias. Don’t worry when the lawn turns brown – its green colour will soon return when rain falls.
Reuse Greywater
Whilst watering cans can be effective, to really conserve water, it is a good idea to make use of recycled water instead of going straight for the mains supply. “Grey” household water from washing up, baths, or laundry can be reused outdoors. It is important not to use it on vegetables and other edible plants, but it is a fantastic option for caring for your lawn and other plants.
For example, after rinsing produce or washing dishes, you could use the leftover water for your ornamentals or garden bed. Make sure that any water you use is completely free of harsh chemicals such as bleach or strong detergents that could actually damage your plants rather than help them. This method is a great way to stretch your water supply and maintain a lush garden during a heatwave.
Harvest Rainwater with Water Butts
This one will take some advanced planning, as naturally a drought is caused by a lack of precipitation, but it can be a great solution to watering in future hosepipe bans if you start early. If you have already installed a water butt in your garden, this is the perfect time to make use of any collected rainwater.
Rainwater is great for your plants as it is softer and contains fewer salts and chemicals than tap water. Installing a water butt or a rain barrel under your downpipe means that you can capture free and soft rainwater that you can then store and use to water your plants. For extra convenience, you can even connect a hose to the water butt since the water isn’t from the mains!
Set Up a Drip Irrigation System
Some limited hose use is still allowed, for example, many water companies will permit watering recently planted trees and shrubs, or vegetable plots, even during a ban. Automated drip or trickle irrigation systems can also run if they meet certain conditions: the system must be fitted with a pressure-reducing valve and timer, and not be handheld.
The system must place water drip by drip directly onto the soil surface or beneath the soil and must not disperse water through the air using a jet or mist. Drip irrigation systems are a brilliant way of delivering water efficiently to plants at the times they really need it, but as always, check your local authority’s hosepipe ban rules before use.
Mulch to Lock in Moisture
Plants in containers and those planted directly in the ground will need extra care during dry spells because they can lose moisture quickly. Container plants dry out faster because of their roots being confined, but ground plants can also suffer if the soil gets too dry.
Adding a layer of mulch, such as bark chips, shredded leaves, or gravel stones, around your plants is very effective at keeping moisture locked in the soil, reducing evaporation, and helping to keep the soil cooler. For plants in the ground, improving the soil with plenty of compost or organic matter will also make a big difference.
Water at the Right Time
Watering early in the morning or late in the evening reduces water lost to evaporation, so your plants get far more benefits from each watering. Sticking to the cooler hours of the day to water your plants will allow them to absorb the moisture much more effectively.
It is also a good idea to water deeply, not frequently. Give plants a good soak and try to direct the water to the root zone, avoiding wetting the leaves to allow the roots to grow deep and prevent scorching on the external parts of the plant. This will allow them to get sustained moisture and fend off dry spells better.
Final Thoughts
Your plants do not have to suffer under a hosepipe ban – there are plenty of ways to keep them hydrated without relying on a hose. Using water-saving products and tools at the appropriate times of the day, combined with mulching and regular weeding (as weeds can steal important water and nutrients), will leave your garden thriving all through the heatwave!