Spare a thought for our poor gardens. Not only are they struggling through the third successive heatwave, they are now also facing a hosepipe ban across much of the UK. What’s a plant-lover to do? Well, there are ways to hydrate your plants without breaking the rules – here’s what the experts recommend.
Use an olla
GH gardening expert Dan Cooper recommends using ollas (pronounced oh-yah), simple terracotta pots that deliver water direct to the root of the plant. Simply plunge one into the ground next to the plant (or a cut-off plastic bottle instead), taking care not to disturb the roots, to get water below the soil’s surface where it’s needed.
Try a seeper hose
Seeper hoses – perforated hoses that gently leak water in a controlled way – are a great alternative to conventional sprinklers. ‘They fall under drip or trickle irrigation system exemptions,’ says Dan, ‘and are usually permitted in a ban because they apply water directly to the soil root-by-root (though always check with your water company first). They’re also excellent for watering parts of the garden that are hard to get to with a watering can. If you’re a fan of technology, you can get app-controlled watering systems that measure your soil’s moisture content and turn seeper hoses on and off automatically, when required.’
Reuse water
‘During a hosepipe ban, reusing water is key to maintaining a healthy garden while supporting the broader conservation efforts needed during a heatwave,’ says Gareth Mitchell, gardening expert and founder of Tree2myDoor.com. Collecting, storing and reusing rainwater is a great way to achieve this – but may not be possible during prolonged dry spells. Instead, says Gareth: ‘Recycle water from showers, baths and even tumble dryers – which is referred to as greywater. While it may contain small amounts of soap or detergent, soil acts as a natural filter, and in some cases, these residues may even offer a mild fertilising effect. Just be sure to avoid using water that contains harsh chemicals or bleach.’
Water at the right time
You’ve heard it before but it’s worth repeating: ‘Watering early in the morning, ideally before 9am, takes advantage of cooler temperatures and significantly reduces water loss through evaporation,’ says Gareth. ‘This not only conserves water but ensures it reaches the roots where it’s most needed.’
Condition plants to be less needy.
This is a longer-term project, but one that’s well worth the time. ‘As a nation with a long tradition of gardening, we tend to cosset our plants, pandering to their every need and striving to offer them the perfect conditions for growth,’ says Dan Cooper. ‘However, sometimes it’s better to treat plants mean to keep them keen. Regular, shallow watering, such as that achieved by a sprinkler, encourages plants to develop roots close to the soil surface. When the surface dries out, they wilt; you respond by watering again, and the cycle of neediness continues. By watering thoroughly but less often, or even not watering at all, plants will send their roots deep into the soil in search of water, making them more resilient. Water-restricted plants might not grow as tall and lush as those constantly fussed over, but they’ll be tougher and less reliant on you.’
Allow your lawn to go brown
Counter-intuitive maybe, but grass doesn’t need watering except in the most extreme drought situations, says Dan. ‘It’s only our deeply ingrained desire to have a green lawn that drives us to water it. During prolonged periods of dry weather, avoid turning on the sprinkler and refrain from walking on the grass. After a period of rain, new growth will follow swiftly, and if any gaps do appear, they can be reseeded in autumn.’
