1. Use Mulch to Keep the Moisture In
One of the simplest ways to save water in your garden is by using mulch. Not only does it look great, but applying a 5-7 cm layer of mulch around your plants can reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation. So a good layer of mulch can help to retain soil moisture, moderate soil temperature and suppress pesky weeds that compete with your plants for water.
Plus, if you choose an organic mulch like pea straw or lucerne, it nourishes and improves the soil as it breaks down. So, you’re basically getting double the benefits!
2. Water Early in the Morning
Timing is everything when it comes to watering. Watering your plants early in the morning (think before 9 a.m.) is ideal. Temperatures are cooler, meaning less water evaporates, and plants can soak it all up before the day heats up.
Bonus: Watering early also gives plants time to dry out before nightfall, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
3. Soaker Hoses are a Game-Changer
If you haven’t already, consider investing in a soaker hose. The benefit of a soaker hose is that it delivers water directly to the roots of your plants, exactly where it’s needed. Since the water is applied slowly and steadily, you’ll reduce the risk of runoff and water loss to evaporation. It’s a more efficient way to water, and your plants will thank you!
4. Group Plants with Similar Water Needs
Here’s a pro tip: group plants together based on their water needs. This way, you can water efficiently and avoid over-watering plants that don’t need as much moisture. For example, drought-tolerant plants like succulents won’t need the same amount of water as thirsty hydrangeas.
Not only does this save water, but it also ensures every plant gets the care it needs!
5. Harvest Rainwater
Why not let Mother Nature do the watering? Setting up a rain barrel to collect water from your roof during summer storms is an easy, sustainable way to water your garden. Rainwater is free of chemicals, which makes it especially good for your plants.
It’s an eco-friendly solution that will help you save on your water bill, while giving your garden the water it needs.
6. Water Deeply, Not Frequently
Here’s something that might surprise you: watering deeply and less frequently is better for your plants. When you water deeply, the moisture reaches down into the root zone, encouraging plants to develop deeper roots. This helps them survive dry spells and makes them more drought-tolerant.
Try watering your garden deeply once or twice a week instead of a little bit every day. Your plants will grow stronger, and you’ll conserve water!
7. Choose Native or Drought-Resistant Plants
Want a garden that thrives with less water? Go for native or drought-tolerant plants! These plants are adapted to survive with minimal watering, making them perfect for hot summer climates. Think succulents, lavender, or local wildflowers—they look great and need less care.
Tip: Local native plants (indigenous plants) are water wise and more resilient to local soils and weather conditions, which means less water and less maintenance.
8. Use a Trigger Nozzle on Your Hose
When you’re hand-watering, a trigger nozzle is your best friend. It allows you to control the water flow, turn the nozzle on and off and target specific areas, so you only water where it’s needed. No more water wasted while you walk from plant to plant!
9. Fix Leaks and Maintain Your Irrigation Systems
It might sound obvious, but small leaks in hoses, sprinklers, or taps can waste a lot of water over time. Regularly check your irrigation system for leaks and make sure sprinklers are pointed at your plants, not at the sidewalk or driveway.
A little maintenance goes a long way in ensuring you’re using water efficiently.
10. Plant Ground Covers to Reduce Evaporation
If you have bare soil areas in your garden, you’re losing water to evaporation. An easy fix is planting ground covers like creeping thyme or sedum. They not only shade the soil and help to keep it cool, but they also reduce run off and prevent water from evaporating too quickly.
Ground covers are a natural way to create a protective barrier over your soil while adding a bit of green texture to your garden.
11. Reuse Grey Water
Grey water—water from showers, sinks, or washing machines—can be reused in your garden (with a few precautions). Fresh grey water collected in buckets from the bathroom or kitchen can be used on everything in the garden, but soapy grey water from the washing machine and laundry can have an adverse effect on plant and soil health if it’s not treated propely, so only use it on non-edible plants like flowers or shrubs and be sure to use a “plant friendly” washing powder – look for brands that are low in phosphorous and salt.
Just be sure to avoid grey water with harsh chemicals or detergents and don’t use it on vegetables or fruits unless it’s been properly treated.
12. Water-Storing Granules are Handy
For container plants or areas where the soil dries out quickly, try adding water-storing granules to the soil. They absorb water and then slowly release it to the plants’ roots as they need it.
This can reduce the frequency of watering, especially for potted plants that tend to dry out faster in summer heat.
13. Provide Shade for Sensitive Plants
On particularly hot days, even the most water-efficient garden can struggle. A quick fix? Provide some temporary shade for your plants using shade cloths, umbrellas, or row covers. This reduces water loss through transpiration and keeps the soil cool, meaning your plants will need less water.
Shading can be especially useful for young plants or more sensitive crops like lettuce or spinach that don’t handle heat as well.