Top water-saving actions in the garden

 

Note: Level 3a 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. 

Plant wise. Use plants that are suitable for the site and drought-resistant, such as water-loving plants in boggy areas, and drought-tolerant plants in dry and hot sites. This can reduce your garden's water needs by up to 50%. If you are starting a garden from scratch or remodelling your garden, it's worth considering how your garden landscape and its contours can help to retain water and take it to where it's needed most. For instance, a slightly sunken small lawn may not need any watering once established because the way the garden is landscaped already provides it with enough water. Plant at the right time: late autumn and early spring are great times because the plants generally get cooler conditions, more rainfall and time to establish before summer's hot, dry conditions set in.

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. 

Turf the turf! It's worth saying: lush green lawns don't belong in Australia's dry and hot climate. They are huge water guzzlers in the garden. If you have a lawn, consider converting part or all of it to drought-resistant or local native grasses and groundcovers, with a little vegetable plot. There are also drought-resistant lawn species on the market that, once established, are largely maintained by rainfall. These do brown off a little in summer, but come straight back with the next good rainfall. Great lawn alternatives that can be stunning in native and provincial-style gardens include bricks or stone, recycled timber, pebbles and sustainably sourced chip bark.

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.

Fertilise correctly. Use only as much fertiliser as recommended and no more.  Over fertilization increases watering needs for the plants to cope with additional nutrients.  As far as possible, fertilise during wet and cool seasons to (spring and autumn) to allow plants to gain the additional water required naturally.  Also ensure minimal runoff by mulching over ground fertilisers so nutrients do not go where they shouldn't like the stormwater system.

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 about 8 centimetres deep in garden beds.

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 grey water you save from your bathroom and laundry.

Trigger the hose. Always use a trigger-nozzle with your hose. This simple fitting ensures less water use and guides the direction of the water so you can get it to go where it needs to go.

Smart watering systems. Sprinklers can use up to 1,000 litres of water per hour, almost equivalent to what the average household of two in Port Phillip uses in 3 days! If you must use them, ensure they are used at the right time of day (morning or evening) and directed to where water is actually needed in the garden.

• Drip irrigation systems release water slowly and efficiently to where it is needed, close to the roots. They work well in many situations: steep gardens, pots and gardens with larger plants, fruit trees and shrubs. You can choose a dripper that releases 2, 4 or 8 litres of water per hour.
• Soaker or weeper hose systems are perforated and porous hoses that slowly ‘weep' water. Soaker hoses can be very water efficient if laid correctly to ‘weep' under a layer of mulch and close to roots, as very little is lost to evaporation or runoff. They work well in narrow and less accessible beds too.
• Wet pot watering systems are small porous ceramic pots buried under the soil beside your plants. They slowly seep out water under gravity pressure, keeping the soil moist. They work well in potted gardens or small, raised beds.
• Tap timers. Great for watering your garden at a regular time and automatically switching off to avoid wastage. They will also water your garden while you are away. They do, however, have two main disadvantages: they will automatically water even when it is raining or your garden doesn't need it, so consider installing a rain sensor (see below). They also require the tap to be left on which often leads to drips, leaks and sometimes burst pipes! Timers are great for using while you are away, but ensure you enlist the watchful eye of a friendly neighbour or house-sitter.
• Rain sensors. These useful gadgets help your irrigation system to water only when the garden needs it and never when it's wet. 

For more information and tips on water efficiency, grey water and rainwater use, visit the Water section.