Saving water in the garden

Please note that level 3 water restrictions currently apply in Victoria. Visit the Water Restrictions page to get a quick update on when and how you can use water outside the home or in your garden. Restricted activities include watering of lawns, hosing down driveways and cars, and watering with sprinkler and some hose systems. 

 

Water-savvy, healthy garden. Water deeply but less often; your plants get water to the roots where they need it and will need watering less often. Water early in the morning or late in the evening; it's less likely to evaporate from your garden and is much better for your plants. Only water thirsty plants; learn their water needs and water different types appropriately.

Watering can-can. Watering cans are a great way to ensure you get just the right amount of water where it's needed, especially in potted, indoor and balcony gardens. Keep one handy for all the greywater you save from your bathroom and laundry.

Hang the hose for the bucket and broom. Planning to give the exterior of the house a good spring-clean? Sweep down the driveway and courtyard; it does not need a hose-down.  If you are dealing with a spill or stain, try the bucket-and-scrub approach; it's very effective and saves water. Spring-clean the house exterior by using a broom or brush to sweep down accumulated dust, cobwebs or debris, then move to a bucket and sponge and give it a wipe-down where needed (do ensure a suitable detergent for the exterior finish). It should not need a rinse.

Mow smart, mean green. Raise your lawnmower blade to at least 3 inches. Taller grass promotes deeper roots, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture better than a closely cropped lawn. Also, don't over-fertilise, as it simply increases the lawn's need for water.

Magnificent mulch. Mulching is one of the garden's great friends; it keeps water-loving weeds away, reduces evaporation, keeps the soil cool and reduces soil compaction. Many types of mulch can be free: lawn clippings, shredded plant clippings, old newspapers, pebbles and stone, even old linen or carpet. Mulches should generally be 5 to 8 centimetres deep in garden beds.