Conserving water in the Garden
Your Ideal Home

Some useful tips from this website www.taptips.ie 1. Grass. Grass can survive for long periods without water and will quickly recover when the next rain showers arrive. Raising the lawnmower blades to a higher level will help stop the grass from scorching in warm weather. Leaving the clippings on the lawn will protect the roots and returns nutrients to the soil. 2. Watering Cans. If you have to water do so in the early morning or evening when it is cooler.Forget the hose and always use a watering can. Make sure the rose is fitted to your watering can. 3. Compost. Recycle your green kitchen waste in a compost bin. Compost provides valuable nutrients and keeps the soil moist. 4. Don't Hose that Path. Paths, patios and driveways must never be hosed. Use a yard brush, a rake or an outdoor blower for cleaning. 5. Mulches. Using mulch such as wood chips, bark or gravel will help prevent water evaporation and will suppress weed growth saving water and time weeding. These are especially valuable for shrubs, flowerbeds and new plantings. 6. Collect Rainwater. Rainwater is excellent for your garden. Collect it in a water butt fed from your gutters but always make sure to securely cover large containers for safety. Talk to your local garden centre they will be able to advise you about modern safe water collection systems. Never use a sprinkler system in your garden. 7. Weed those Beds. Regularly weed and hoe your garden, to ensure that watering helps your plants and not your weeds. 8. Spot those Leaks. Regularly check your outdoor taps, pipes and plumbing fixtures for leaks. 9. Reuse Water. Use a basin in your sink to collect and reuse water for your garden plants. 10. Trees, Shrubs and Plants. Plant flowers and shrubs that like warm and dry conditions. Your local garden centre can give you advice. Established trees and shrubs do not need to be watered.

Wow, those are great! Do you have any tips on saving electricity?

This is a link to a great article on water use in the garden http://www.gardenplansireland.com/articles/article17.html The article is called Gardening Through a Drought or How to Sprinkle your Water Wisely.