10 Ways to Save Your Garden
Tip #1. Install a water tank
Your roof is capturing tens of thousands of litres of water each year based on average rainfall alone. It's all literally going down the drain unless you have a tank to store it in!.
Tip #2. Mulch
Mulching your garden substantially reduces water loss and keeps the soil moister for longer. There are many different types of mulch. Just speak to your local nursery or landscape supplier to see what will work best for you.
Tip #3. Plant drought-tolerant plants
Plant drought tolerant plants in your garden. They are an excellent way to save water as they are hardier and better suited to our dry environment. More information on drought-tolerant plants are here
Tip #4. Use water storage devices
You can use something as simple as an empty, plastic soft drink bottle with the bottom cut off and a few small holes punched in it near the neck. Dig a hole near the base of the plant, put the plastic bottle in upside down and back fill around the bottle with dirt so the cut open end is just above the mulch line. Fill with water and the water will slowly feed the plant at its base where the roots are. You can also buy commercial version of the 'bottle' made from black plastic.
Tip #5. Water only where the water is needed
Pretty obvious, but don't water the whole garden bed, just water at the base of the plant where the roots are. Water everywhere else is doing very little for your plants.
Tip #6. Make sure your taps, hoses and nozzles are in good
condition
A slow dripping tap, hose fitting or irrigation system hose can waste thousands of litres of water a year. Check them periodically and replace them when they are faulty.
Tip #7. Set up targeted irrigation
Micro irrigation systems are cheap to buy and easy to set up. Make sure the water only goes where there is a plant (again, not the whole garden bed!). If you have a water pump hooked up to your water tank, it can easily hook up to your micro irrigation system.
Tip #8. Water at the right time of day
Don't water during the hottest time of day. This is when the evaporation rate is at its highest (up to 40% of your water will evaporate if you water during the hottest part of the day). Water very early in the day so it wets the soil and the mulch can do its job over the course of the day.
Tip #9. Improve the soil
Soil moisture content is vital to the health of any plant. Most sandy soils have a low organic matter level, which means that water, and nutrients pass rapidly through the soil.
You can improve the organic matter of your soil by adding manure, compost and/or peat, etc. A high level of organic matter in your soil will improve plant growth, use less water and fertilisers and promote healthier plants.
Tip #10. Reduce grassed areas
Lawns require more water than other areas of your garden and therefore, offer the best opportunity to help you conserve water and save money. Lawn areas should be designed to be practical and useful and not just used as a fill-in area if your garden. Two ways you can reduce your lawn area are paving and the planting of ground covers.
The type of grass you choose is also important. Some drought resistant grasses include Windsor-green, Santa Anna Bluegrass, Greenlees Park and Wintergreen. Your local nursery can offer valuable advice on water efficient grasses.
See more information on saving water in the garden at:
Saving water in the garden - http://www.savewater.com.au/