Water-Wise Gardening: Keep Your Garden Green With Less Water

UK summers are getting drier. Smart watering keeps plants healthy while conserving a precious resource.

Water Deep, Not Often

Soak root zones every 8–10 days rather than daily sprinkles. Check soil moisture 6 inches down.

Harvest Rainwater

A water butt captures ~24,000 L/year from an average roof—free, soft water for plants.

Reuse Grey Water

Bath and laundry water (mild detergent only) suits ornamentals. Avoid on edibles.

Lawn Strategies

• Let grass grow longer—shades roots, reduces evaporation.
• Mow high; remove only 1/3 of blade.
• Morning dew sweeping directs moisture to soil.
• Quality turf recovers from summer dormancy automatically.

Mulch Everything

2–3 inches of organic mulch cuts evaporation by 70% and suppresses weeds.