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Everyday watering tips

Things you can do include:

• use a watering can instead of a hose
• if you do use a hose, use a trigger to control the flow
• avoid using watering-can roses, except on young seedlings, as much of the water does not reach the roots where it’s needed
• watering early in the morning or late at night means water does not evaporate in the heat of the day before it can reach the roots
• leave plants and shrubs dry until they show signs of wilting – watering too often can keep roots shallow and weaken plants
• weeding regularly makes sure that watering helps plants and not weeds
• prioritise young plants and seedlings; more established plants will survive longer periods without water

Saving water while keeping your lawn healthy

Lawns are usually the thirstiest part of a garden, but there are easy steps you can take to reduce the amount of water your lawn needs:

• letting the grass grow longer in dry spells helps keep moisture in the soil
• if you use a sprinkler, your water company may require you to have a meter fitted as they can use as much water in an hour as a family of four uses in a day
• infrequent soaks will be more effective than frequent sprinkling as they will encourage roots to search for water deeper in the ground
• remember that even if your lawn goes brown in the dry weather it doesn’t mean it has died – it will usually recover when the rain returns
• if you’re looking to redo your lawn or re-seed part of it, choose grass varieties that are better suited to dry conditions like fescue grass or smooth-stalked meadow

Install a water butt

Thousands litres of rainwater fall on the average roof every year. If you collect this water and use it on your garden, it is better for your lawn and plants as well as the environment. Other points to consider:

• fit a lid to stop leaves collecting or small animals falling in and drowning
• if you want to collect more water than can be stored in one butt, it is possible to get a connector kit to link up two or more
• water companies and councils often sell water butts at subsidised prices

• Find your local council
• Water UK - Find your water company Opens new window

Make use of greywater in the garden

Any water that has been used in the home, except water from toilets, is called greywater. Shower, sink and laundry water can be re-used in the garden during droughts:

• greywater from baths and showers can be used to water non-edible plants
• make sure it is cool before you use it
• avoid pouring it straight on to foliage

Plan a water-efficient garden

Things to consider:

• healthy composted soil will retain moisture and nutrients
• choosing drought-tolerant plants means your garden needs less water
• planting new shrubs and trees through plastic helps to retain moisture and control weeds
• loose mulches (such as wood bark or coarse home compost) around established plants stop water evaporating

• Planning a low-water garden Opens new window

The wider issue

Increasing demand for water means it is important to find ways of conserving this valuable resource. Saving water in the garden can help lessen the risk of drought orders and water restrictions, help protect wildlife and reduce climate change impacts.

• More on waste and resource use

More useful links

• Saving water in your home
• Water saving advice from the Environment Agency Opens new window
• Weather information from the Met Office Opens new window
• Water saving ideas on the BBC gardening pages Opens new window