Water for Gardens
Discussion
Gardens consume significant amounts of water. If we use water more effectively in the garden, we can use less, and so conserve limited water resources.
Readings
Water Efficient Gardening
Water Saving Tips for the Garden. Sydney Water
Even though we have mandatory water restrictions, we can all keep our gardens looking good.
- Water with a hose or watering can rather than a sprinkler.
- Water early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation.
- Use mulch around your plants to reduce evaporation by up to 70%.
- Water around the base of your plants - not on the leaves.
- Water less often but more deeply, to make your plants more drought tolerant.
Water Efficient Gardens
Designing your Garden to be Water Efficient. Sydney Water
- Garden microclimate: The southern side of a house often has a microclimate that's shady and less exposed to hot, dry winds. The northern and western sides of a house are generally hotter and more exposed to the elements. Areas under thick trees are shaded, and as a consequence moisture in the soil is retained better throughout the year.
- Soil moisture retention: There are three main soil types - sandy, clay and loam - and each has different moisture holding abilities. Loam is the best soil type as it holds plenty of moisture but also drains well so that plant roots don't get waterlogged.
- Improving your soil: It's easy to improve sandy and clay soils to make them more like loam soil. One of the simplest ways to do this is by adding well decomposed organic material such as compost or composted manure.
- Plan for your site: Before you start picking out plants at the local nursery, take a little time to look closely at your garden site and plan your garden on paper first. Try to plan your garden so that you make the best use of the environment you have - it's much easier to work with nature than against it.
- Lawn and plants: The types of lawn and plants you choose can have a big impact on the amount of water and work your garden needs.
Library
Waterwise Garden. Melbourne Water - Develop your own water-wise garden. Use the most appropriate plants, lawns and irrigation methods for local conditions.
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