Ways to Save Water in the Garden

Look for plants that are described as being 'dry or drought tolerant'. These plants will often have leathery, small or hairy leaves that have evolved in dry climates. Drought-tolerant plants include Australian native plants such as Banksia, Bottlebrush, Grevilleas and Westringia, and Mediterranean plants like Lavender and Rosemary. 

Mulch around the base of plants to keep moisture in the soil. Apply a generous layer over garden beds, vegie patches and pots. Consider using organic mulches, like sugarcane or pea straw, which break down and help improve the soil.

Soil that contains lots of organic matter can hold more moisture, so regularly mix concentrated sources of organic matter into the soil such as Yates Dynamic Lifter. This will help improve soil structure and its ability to retain water.

Over time, and particularly during hot and dry conditions, soil and potting mix can become water repellent. This can result in moisture pooling on the surface and not moving down into soil or potting mix evenly and effectively. With potted plants, water can also run down the gap between the potting mix and the pot wall, filling the saucer but leaving the root ball dry.

Use a soil wetter to break down the waxy, water repellent layer and enable moisture to penetrate down into the root zone. Yates Waterwise Soil Wetters can be used on garden beds, lawns and potted plants to help fix water repellency and improve moisture levels in soil and potting mix.

Automate watering in your garden and ensure your plants receive the right amount of water at the right time every day by using smart irrigation devices. Look for ones that have programmable watering cycles and rain sensors. 

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 good quality watering tools such as a multi-function trigger sprayer so you can control the amount and pattern the water is applied.

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! Be mindful of any watering rules that might apply in your area.

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.

Keep a bucket in your shower to collect the cold water until it runs hot, that would normally be lost down the drain. You can then use this water on your garden.

When watering large areas, especially lawns, use a sprinkler that gives the best coverage with minimal wastage. Look for one that will allow you to water the lawn thoroughly, but also economically.

Train your lawn in good water habits, in the same way as you would train your other garden plants. Once the lawn is well established, give a long soaking rather than short, light watering. This will encourage a deeper, more hardy root system.

TIP! When mowing, leave the grass longer than normal. Longer grass means a deeper root system, and the long blades shade the soil, which also helps keeps the soil temperature down.

Greywater from the laundry or shower can be collected and used to water the lawn and garden. Add Yates Greywater Fertiliser to your greywater to help neutralise the alkaline effect of soaps and detergents on soil pH, help kill unwanted microbes in the greywater and reduce the potential negative effects of greywater on soil quality. Yates Greywater Fertiliser also contains the nutrients nitrogen, potassium and chelated iron to promote healthy plant growth.

Control weeds in the garden. Weeds are great competitors and they will fight with your garden plants for every precious drop. Make sure that the herbicide doesn’t contact your garden plants.

Group your plants according to their water needs. Put the plants that need the most water together in one part of the garden. If you have just one plant with high water requirements in a garden bed, it will mean that all the other plants in that bed will receive more water than they need.