Hosepipe bans are currently impacting some London areas
With hosepipe bans currently in force for a number of London postcodes, homeowners are being urged to act quickly to protect their gardens from the sweltering summer heat.
Hosepipe bans are becoming an increasingly common feature of British summers in order to protect water supplies during drought conditions. Considering a standard hosepipe consumes a staggering 170 litres of water for every ten minutes of use – equivalent to 19 toilet flushes in the same period – opting not to use yours could make a big difference.
Those caught breaching the rules could face fines of up to £1,000, so it’s all the more important to follow the ban. However, this leaves a dilemma for keen gardeners who don’t want to see their plants wilt and die in the warmer weather. Thankfully, whether it’s harvesting rainwater or recycling bathwater, there are numerous ways to keep your plants well-watered without resorting to the hosepipe, explains the Mirror.
To help advise gardeners during hosepipe bans, gardening specialists at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have outlined six practical and eco-friendly approaches to ensure your plants remain healthy, even during a heatwave when hosepipe use is prohibited.
Six tips to ensure your garden thrives during a hosepipe ban
Harvest rainwater
Collecting rainwater in a water butt is both a sustainable and effective solution for watering your garden during a hosepipe ban. These can be attached to downpipes from your home, shed, or greenhouse.
While the weather in recent weeks has made gathering rain water difficult, it is the perfect time to get prepared ahead of storms and downpours forecast for the coming weekend. Rainwater also contains fewer chemicals than tap water, making it considerably gentler on your plants.
Repurpose greywater
Greywater is the name given to water previously used within the household for rinsing fruit and vegetables, washing up, or bathing. This water can be reused for watering your plants, provided it doesn’t contain harsh detergents or bleach.
Water intelligently
Rather than using a hosepipe, try using a watering can instead. The experts note that this allows for better control over water consumption, so it could be worth switching even when hosepipe restrictions aren’t in force.
They continued: “Water plants early in the morning or after sunset to reduce evaporation, and focus on the roots instead of the leaves to ensure moisture gets where it’s needed most.”
Install an irrigation system
While full-pressure sprinkler systems aren’t permitted during hosepipe restrictions, numerous UK water providers do permit drip or trickle irrigation systems.
These impressive setups can reduce water consumption by up to 70 per cent while still delivering moisture straight to plant roots. However, it’s essential to make sure your water supplier permits these before installation.
You could also opt for a small automatic irrigation system, like a watering globe, which will slowly drip-feed individual plants.
Mulch and protect soil
The conditions your plant is planted in can also impact how often you need to water it. The experts said: “Adding mulch or compost around the base of plants slows evaporation and helps soil retain moisture for longer – keeping watering efforts to a minimum. Bark chips, wood shavings, or even cardboard can be used effectively as mulch.”
Focus on crucial plants
This may be a difficult one for plant-lovers, but the experts final recommendation is to prioritise certain plants over others, including young or recently planted flowers, container plants, and crops requiring consistent moisture for growth, such as fruit and vegetables. Plants situated in potting sheds or greenhouses should also be prioritised, as these spaces can become extremely hot during a heatwave.
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