Collect rainwater
Put all that lovely rainwater to good use by installing a water butt. You could save thousands of litres of water throughout the year by installing one.
How you can use less water in the garden
There are many benefits to saving water and during dry summer months saving a little can make a big difference not only to your water bill if you’re on a meter, but also the environment. Here are some useful tips on how you can use water wisely in your garden.
Use a watering can
Give your flowers a drink from a watering can instead of a hose pipe. Water flow is also slower, reducing the chance of water running away before your plants can absorb it.
Re-use water
Water used for washing your salad and veg is also great for your plants. Also re-use water from your fish tank if you are cleaning it out, it’s full of nutrients your flowers love.
Leave your lawn
A hosepipe or sprinkler uses 540 litres of water per hour. Don’t over water you lawn, grass is hardy and can bounce back quickly after some lovely rainfall.
How to save water in the garden
Award-winning garden designer Leon Davis explains how whether you have a large garden or limited gardening space, you can still benefit from rainwater harvesting, especially if you’re green fingered.
Other ways to save water in the garden
- Where and when to water; watering your garden during dawn and dusk or once it is shaded will help minimise evaporation and will help reduce strain on flowers. Make sure you water your plants closely to the roots and don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you water your garden, too.
- Water retaining crystals; use water retaining crystals on your potted plants and hanging baskets to keep them hydrated for even longer.
- Use mulch; mulch your soil with bark or straw to retain water in your flower beds, it can also help slow down weed growth and prevent pesky slugs and snails.
- Types of plants; drought resistant plants like lavender, rosemary and succulents are great for sunspots and require much less water. Planting the right flowers in your garden can make a huge difference on your garden and the water you use.
- Garden fun; children love to play in the garden on hot days, but keeping them cool can be a challenge. If you choose to fill up a paddling pool, save water by filling it up half way. You can even cover them when they are not in use to prevent evaporation, and once you’re finished why not reuse the water on your garden?
How to fit a water butt
We teamed up with garden expert, Leon Davis, who shows just how easy it is to fit a water butt
Your top tips
Our customers have been sharing their wonderful tips and tricks on how they save water in their gardens.
Allotments how-to guide
Download our allotments how-to guide (PDF 2.4MB)