WATERWISE TIPS FOR YOUR GARDEN

Tending to a beautiful garden, especially during summer, can be a difficult task. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do around your garden to reduce your water waste.

To ensure you have a green oasis all year long, see our five tips to create the perfect waterwise garden:

Prepare the soil well and add compost

Healthy soil is crucial to creating a flourishing, waterwise garden. Each type of soil has its own unique characteristics, so understanding your soil is essential to maintaining a healthy garden and ensuring your plants are drought resistant.

Give your plants the best possible start by introducing organic manure or peat and slow-release fertiliser. This will provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow stronger and healthier. Follow this with a good quality compost to increase the soil’s ability to retain water.

Water correctly and only when necessary

It is common for most people to overwater their garden. Overwatering can result in your plants developing shallow roots, which will make them even more dependent on water. Instead, watering your plants thoroughly but less often will lead them to develop deeper roots and utilise the moisture found deeper within the soil. You should also aim to water your plants when evaporation is at its lowest. Watering first thing in the morning is usually best, as this allows the water to soak to the roots and provide moisture all day, causing less stress to your plants and lawn.

Clever planning and planting

There are many beautiful plants and flowers that are well suited to hot climates, like Perth. Choosing the right plants for your climate is important to avoid wasteful watering. Look for plants that are notorious for thriving in dry climates. Consider introducing some trees to create shade, or choose plants that can tolerate the sun and dry soil.

To help you choose the right plants for your garden, check out this helpful online tool by the Water Corporation.

Use water saving crystals and mulch

A combination of high temperatures and lack of rain can lead soil to lose its moisture rapidly. Introducing water saving crystals and mulch in your garden are effective ways to reduce water consumption while maintaining your garden’s health.

Mulching around roots will effectively provide them with insulation, helping to retain moisture and keep your plants cooler, particularly in dry climates. Adding mulch to the soil’s surface will also reduce evaporation and provide some protection from the sun.

Leave your lawn

Your reticulation system may be overwatering your lawn and garden without you realising. To reduce water waste, mow your lawn at a high setting and water it thoroughly, allowing the water to deeply penetrate the soil and encourage a stronger, healthier root system. Don’t panic if your lawn begins to turn brown during extended dry periods. Once the rain returns, your lawn will recover and regain its vibrant green.

It’s also important to understand that different types of sprinklers have different watering rates. Visit this link to determine the best setting for your sprinkler system, or to find the sprinklers most suitable to your garden.