Water saving tips for the garden
Water was taken for granted a a decade ago then became a luxury. What is the balance?
Why should we look to reduce our water consumption?
We do not have an unlimited supply. We need to increase our security in the case of uncharacteristic rain patterns. We must reduce the amount of unsustainable techniques used to gain water and dispose of water.
Why should we not stop it completely?
We need to reduce the burden on our waterways. The majority of the water that falls in built up areas is diverted directly in to storm water drains. This goes straight in to our water ways causing all kinds of problems due to flow and volume. If we capture some of this water we can release it in to the ground and potentially reduce the contaminents that reach our waterways, and slow down the flow among other things. How do we do this? Rain gardens, swales, irrigation systems. There is not use filling up your water tank if you don't use it, once it is full the excess water will end up as storm water.
Top 5 Water Saving Tips for the Garden
Water is a commodity, it costs money and environments and most notably for the average person it takes time to apply.
Choose water efficient plants - If the plants do not need any extra watering then you do not need to come up with provisions
Mulch and compost your plants - This will limit the evaporation of water due to sun and wind as well as reduce water run off. The compost will improve the structure and water holding capability of your soil.
Install a Raingarden - Divert the water that falls on your site in to a garden bed instead of the stormwater.
Install drip irrigation - If you must irrigate your garden beds use drip irrigation. It can be installed underneath mulch and deliver water directly to the root zone eliminating evaporation.
Water in the morning Water first thing in the morning before the sun is out and while it is still. This will make will get your plants turgid and ready for the day while reducing evaporation.
