To help plants retain moisture, spread a layer of organic mulch around them. This will save water, time and money.
Your garden does not need to be watered daily. Check the soil moisture 2 to 3 inches below the surface, if the top 2 or 3 inches of soil are dry then it requires watering.
Use drip irrigation system for shrubs and trees so that water goes straight to the roots, preventing run-off.
Regularly check your sprinkler system valves for leaks.
Houses that use sprinklers consume 35% more water than houses that don’t.
Re-set the flow of your automatic sprinkler systems over the various seasons to suit the needs of plants and your lawn.
Put an automatic shut-off valve on the sprinkler system so that it shuts off when it rains.
Water your plants at short intervals to help it soak up the moisture.
Avoid growing plants in areas where it will be difficult to water them. Consider planting in spring, autumn or winter when requirement for watering is less.
Place moisture readers in your garden to determine which plants or areas need to be watered.
When watering your garden, use a kitchen timer to remind you when to stop.
Ask your local nursery about plant selection and placement; certain plants require less water than others.
Group plants that require similar amounts of water together, so that some plants are not over watered or others under watered.
Don’t cut off lower branches on trees and shrubs. Allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This minimises evaporation and keeps the soil cooler.
Aerate the soil in your garden at least once a year so to help it retain moisture.
When mowing your lawn, don’t cut the grass shorter than 2.5 cm, so that it is protected from the blazing sun and reduces evaporation.
Water roots, not leaves.
Position sprinklers so that your lawn gets all the water, not your sidewalk, driveway or paved areas.
Compost your yard trimmings. It helps to retain moisture in the soil so you will not need to water as much.
Remove weeds or dead plants from your garden; they unnecessarily take up water.
You can use recycled sewage water to your lawn and plants. Call the municipality to obtain water for this use.
Consider using garden lights or spotlights that run on solar energy.
Water your garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower and help reduce evaporation. Recommended watering time is before 8am or after 6pm.
