How to save water in the garden

It’s Community Garden Week and we want to talk about the importance of saving water in the garden for now and the future.

Community Garden Week celebrates all community gardens across the UK, sharing the same purpose; to bring people together using the power of nature.

With the changing weather patterns and the growing population, water is becoming more and more vulnerable. It might seem like we have lots of rain here in the UK, but statistics show by 2050 the amount of water available could be reduced by up to 15%. Now more than ever it’s so important to save water where possible, small changes really can make a big difference.

Did you know that plants prefer the natural untreated goodness of rainwater compared to tap water? Rainwater holds the exact pH level that plants love to grow and thrive!

Water by the buttload

Installing a water butt is fairly straightforward, and will help save on your water bill too, by making use of rainwater that would normally trickle along your gutters, down your drainpipes and into your drain. Collecting rainwater in a water butt or container is a healthier option for your plants, the planet and your wallet.

This spring, we’re subsidising some of the costs towards a water butt for lots of our customers. Visit our water devices webpage for information on how to order a water butt, a breakdown of costs, and details on sizes, design and installation, here.

Protecting your soil

Protecting your soil may sound a little bit odd, but using mulch or bark chippings to create a barrier between the sun and the soil will slow down evaporation, locking in moisture for the plant’s roots, and reducing the amount of water they need. Alternatively, you can use Swell Gel pouches that also lock in moisture, and help store water. Swell Gel can be ordered for FREE, here.

Ever heard of drought-proof plants?

As the warmer weather approaches, you may be starting to think about your garden, and new blooms for summer. Have you considered drought-proof plants, such as rosemary or lavender? They’re very hardy, need little water, and smell beautiful too. Succulents are also a good choice too, as they have evolved to cope with drought and drier soil.