Water - using, saving and collecting

With drought conditions existing in many parts of the country and watering restrictions being heavily enforced it is essential that you reduce your water dependency.

Plants need most water in hot, dry (and windy) weather when water companies are least able to meet the demand and often ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers. Garden water use is estimated at less than 3% of the annual water consumption of an average household. At peak times however as much as 70% of water supplied is used in gardens. Water supply records indicate that peak demand begins in the evening after two weeks without rain in the summer. This surge in demand can lead to water companies being forced to deplete
groundwater and lakes, which can cause serious
environmental harm.

Rainwater can be collected, and stored for later use. Rainwater can be diverted from roofs of homes, garages, greenhouses and other structures and stored in tanks, tubs and other containers. Even in dry areas as much as 6000 gallons could be collected from a roof each year.

Household wastewater may also be used. Household soaps and detergents are harmless to plants but bleaches, disinfectants and stronger cleaning products must not be used on plants although they will be harmless on bare soil. Washing machine drainage and dishwater drainage can all be diverted to the garden instead of draining into the sewer.

Wind blocks, trees, hedges, fences and other shelter reduce evaporation due to wind and provide shading to help reduce water loss.

Raising the height of mowing lawns reduces water loss from grass as the taller grass leaves shades the lower grass leaves and reduces water loss from the grass and soil.

Mulching with a layer of organic matter or gravel, at least two inches thick or using opaque mulching reduces the loss of moisture from the soil. Mulching also encourages good root development in the upper levels of the soil. When you mow your lawn leave the grass cuttings on the ground instead of raking them up and bagging them for the garbage trucks. The cuttings will rapidly decompose and provide much needed organic fertilizer for your lawn and you will save a lot of energy not having to pick them up.

Established plants require much less water than newly sown or planted areas. Newly sown or planted areas are vulnerable

Fruit and vegetables will usually crop adequately without watering but the quantity and quality of produce is greatly improved by watering at times when drought stress would affect the part of the plant that is harvested. When it's the leaves that are harvested, the crop should never be short of water. If watering is needed give a single, thorough watering about two weeks before harvest.

Most established ornamental trees and shrubs have such wide-ranging roots that they are drought proof and need no irrigation. Herbaceous perennials often need watering for their best performance in summer dry spells, but drought-proof borders can be attained by selection of suitable plants and management techniques.

Watering lawns requires great quantities of water, and this is a questionable use of a scarce resource for other than quality lawns. In dry periods mowing should be less close and less frequent as an alternative contribution to keeping the lawn attractive. Lawns usually recover when the autumn rains return.