Some of you will have had the hosepipe out for a while now. Forget about the grass, it will revive come the next significant rainfall. But the flowers and veg still need regular watering.
The problem of course is that we are facing a ban on the use of hosepipes in the garden if this dry weather keeps up for much longer. There is already a hosepipe ban in force in the north west of England and it’s only a matter of time before we have one in the East Midlands and East Anglia - normally the driest parts of the country.
Here are our tips for beating the ban and keeping your garden in great condition during the hot weather:
- Water less; most mature plants will survive a dry spell
- Adjust your lawnmower to cut your grass longer – this will shade the roots from the sun
- Leave cuttings on the lawn – they will form a mulch to protect and feed the grass
- Keep lawns and beds weed-free, but avoid turning soil during dry weather
- Water seedlings and planters around the roots early in the morning or in the cooler evenings
- Mulch around your borders: this will keep your soil cooler and deter weeds
- Avoid deep or large paddling pools and re-use the water for plants in the evening
- Invest in a water butt and use the water as much as possible
- Use a watering can
- Save cooled grey water from baths and showers and use to water around the roots of plants – not leaves - and avoid using water with too much soap or household detergent in
- Use a water retaining gel in pots and hanging baskets
- Plant flowers and vegetables that require less water
