As we start to see the onset of hosepipe bans and the fourth UK heatwave approaching, here are nine ways to keep your garden thriving with less water.
With Thames Water’s hosepipe ban already in full force, gardeners across the UK are being urged to rethink how they care for their plants during the current dry spell. After an exceptionally warm and dry spring with below average rainfall, there are still plenty of simple ways to keep gardens healthy while using water responsibly.
1. Water smarter, not more
If you’re using a watering can, water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This reduces evaporation and allows more water to reach plant roots where it’s needed most. Products containing wetting agents, such Power Up The Ultimate Container & Basket Feed, can also help water penetrate compost more effectively.
2. Prioritise the plants that need it most
Focus your watering on newly planted flowers and vegetables, young shrubs, containers and hanging baskets. Established trees, mature shrubs and lawns are generally much more resilient and can recover once wetter weather returns.
3. Don’t panic if your lawn turns brown
A brown lawn isn’t necessarily a dead one. Most established lawns naturally go dormant during prolonged dry weather and will quickly green up again after rainfall. Avoid watering unless you’ve recently laid new turf or sown fresh grass seed, and always check the specific exemptions under your local hosepipe restrictions.
4. Mulch to retain moisture
Applying bark, compost or other organic mulch around plants helps lock moisture into the soil, keeps roots cooler and reduces weed growth, meaning less water is lost through evaporation.
5. Stay on top of weeds
Weeds compete with your plants for valuable water and nutrients. Removing them regularly ensures the moisture you do use benefits the plants you actually want to grow.
6. Feed plants wisely
Healthy, well-fed plants develop stronger root systems and are better equipped to cope with drought. Follow product instructions carefully and avoid over-feeding during periods of extreme heat. Specialist feeds such as Doff Power Up The Ultimate Tomato Feed can help maintain healthy growth.
7. Make every drop count
Collect rainwater wherever possible using water butts and reuse suitable grey water, such as cooled cooking water or water used to rinse fruit and vegetables. Avoid using any water containing detergents, bleach or harsh cleaning products.
8. Give containers extra care
Pots and hanging baskets dry out far more quickly than garden borders. Grouping containers together in a partially shaded area can help reduce moisture loss during heatwaves.
If compost has become extremely dry, something that may happen more readily with peat-free composts, immerse the pot or basket in a container of clean water until air bubbles stop rising. This allows the compost to fully rehydrate. Adding Doff Power Up The Ultimate Container & Basket Feed to the water can also help improve water penetration while providing a nutrient boost.
9. Help plants cope with heat stress
Seaweed-based plant feeds can improve plants’ resilience during periods of drought and heat stress. Suitable for use on lawns, borders and containers, Doff Power Up Seaweed helps support healthier plants when growing conditions become more challenging.
As water restrictions begin, making small changes to watering habits can help gardens remain healthy while conserving one of our most precious resources.
