9 ways to save water in the garden

Grow plants that have good drought tolerance. Look for plants with small, hard or hairy leaves that have evolved in dry climates. Great choices include grevilleas, bottlebrush and lavender.

Mulch around the base of plants to keep moisture in the soil. Consider using organic mulches, like sugarcane or pea straw, which break down and help improve the soil. 

Fertilise with organic plant food such as  Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. This will help improve soil structure and its ability to retain water.

Help automate watering in your garden and ensure your plants receive the right amount of water at the right time every day. Smart devices such as the  Pope Aquazone Tap Timer has up to 4 programmable watering cycles, with an eco-function to help reduce wasteful water run-off, and watering can even be suspended when rain is forecast. 

Make sure all your tap fittings and hoses aren’t leaking. One way to check this is to turn off every tap in your home, check the water meter, wait a few hours and then check again. If there is a different reading you will need to investigate!

Invest in ‘handy’ watering tools, like  Pope’s 2wist 2-in-1 hand spray and sprinkler to reduce the number of devices lying around your garden It’s the smarter way to water. 

It’s best to give your plants a deep drink early in the morning before the harsh afternoon sun comes around. This gives the roots time to soak up the water before you lose it to evaporation!

From a glass of ‘old’ water to the water you use to cook your pasta in – it all counts! Before pouring it down the sink, think about whether your plants might be thirsty. 

When watering large areas such as lawns, use a sprinkler to help get the best coverage and to give your lawn a good deep soak. Look for one that will allow you to water the lawn thoroughly, but also economically, like the  Pope Rain-Tech Oscillating Sprinkler, which allows you to adjust the head for flexible watering to suit different lawn shapes and sizes.