Be water wise in the garden and outside your home:
Don’t use a garden sprinkler to water your garden – use a watering can or handheld hosepipe instead.
Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe when watering your plants and only water around the base of plants.
If you do need to use a hosepipe, fit a hose trigger so you can switch the hose off when you don’t need it.
Try to water your garden in the evening when less evaporation will occur.
Use a water butt to collect the rainwater from your roof rather than wasting treated drinking water on your garden.
Playing with a garden hose can be fun when it’s hot – but a water pistol will use a lot less water.
Use a bucket and sponge to clean your car instead of a hosepipe.
Don’t waste water by using a hosepipe to clean your paths, patios and driveways – use a broom, rake or outdoor blower/vacuum cleaner instead.
Garden plants
Dig a little hole around trees and shrubs to collect water.
Line the sides of terracotta pots and hanging baskets with polythene to prevent evaporation.
Add water retention crystals to pots, tubs and hanging baskets to help keep the compost moist.
Use mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.
Don’t cut lawns too short and save the clippings to use as mulch.
Think about buying drought tolerant plants.
Plants, which uses less water:
Succulents such as Sedums, Lavender, Catmint, Ivy, Periwinkles, Iris, Oriental Poppies, Geraniums, herbs and grey leafed plants
Plants which use a lot of water:
Astilbe, Azalea, Hostas, Primula, Marsh Marigold, Dogwood, Willow, Elder, Bamboo, Viburnums, Clematis and some Acers
Vegetables
Leafy crops, together with cauliflower, broccoli, salad onions, potatoes, runner beans and tomatoes need the most water. Asparagus, beetroot and other root crops are more drought tolerant.
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