9 top tips to save water in your garden

Whether you want to save some money, you have limited access to water or you just want to be environmentally friendly, it is a great idea to cut back on the amount of water you use in the garden. Although gardens will always need a lot of watering, there are some simple ways to ensure you are not wasting water whilst still making sure your garden and flowers are healthy. Here are some of our top tips:

Tip #1: Carefully pick your pots and containers
Different materials heat up at different rates which impacts how quickly plants can become dry. Metal pots heat up really quickly so will need more water. Clay pots lose a lot of moisture because the material is porous. Going for a glazed ceramic pot is the most popular choice and retains water well. If you really want to use other pots, you could have a less porous pot to put the plant in, and then use a metal pot as decorative only.

Tip #2: Choose the time of day you water plants carefully
It is surprising what a dramatic difference the time of day you water plants can make. Avoid watering your plants and garden during the middle of the day. This is when the sun is at its strongest so the water will evaporate quickly and can even scorch the plants. Water your plants and garden either early morning, or later on in the afternoon.

Tip #3: Take care of your soil
Don't just check the surface of the soil to see if its damp. Look a bit deeper down into the soil to feel if its still damp. If it is then you know you don't have to water it again straight away. To help soil retain moisture, adding a layer of organic matter or mulch is a great option as it helps absorb and retain the water that the plants can then access. Add a layer of compost to your flower beds to hold more water, nutrients and help with the overall health of the soil.

Tip #4: Choose your plants carefully
The perfect plants for your garden will depend on many factors. One is the type of soil you have; another is the climate. If you live somewhere with a hot climate, you need to choose plants that are less water dependent, otherwise you will have to use a lot of additional water in order to help them survive. Planting a variety of flowers and foliage of different species and sizes will help you achieve a lovely display but also will mean that some plants will not require as much water. Smaller plants for example, do not require as much. Also try and go for plants that are native species. These plants are used to the local climate and therefore can be easier to maintain.

Tip #5: Reuse and store water
There are many ways to can use water in your garden which otherwise would go to waste.

• Install a water tank - The runoff water from roofs will get stored here until you want to use it on the garden. They come in a range of styles and designs which means that you can find one that fits in any sized garden.
• Reuse "grey water"- Water from your baths and showers can be reused. You can buy grey water diverters that can help you do this. Also use water from cooking or washing dishes etc. Your plants and grass will not be damaged by soapy water. However, avoid water that has been in contact with bleach and other harsh chemicals.

Tip #6: Stop overwatering
A lot of us, whether we realise it or not, are actually overwatering our plants. Not only is this wasting water which is a precious resource, it is also giving us more work to do. It can cause damage to your plants as it makes the soil lose some of its nutrients, and it can cause loss of oxygen in the soil which can lead to root rot. It also means that the plants get dependent on a higher amount of watering. When you go on holiday, you therefore are more likely to come back to unhealthy plants as they have relied on the extra water.

Tip #7: Don't cut your lawn too short
Try and maintain your grass at a slightly longer length the next time you mow it. This will create deeper root systems which gives them more access to underground water and keeps it healthy in the long run. Also ensure your lawn mower blades are always kept sharp. It they are dull it causes more water loss.

Tip #8: Control weeds
Remove weeds as often as you can. These dominant plants will steal water from the plants you actually want growing in your garden.

Tip #9: Check the weather
This is a simple thing to do, but is easy to forget, especially if you have a set routine of when you water your garden. It is common to water the plants in the morning, only for it to tip it down soon after. Checking the weather for the day will help you save both time and water. If you know you are going to get a long period of sun, ensure you water more in preparation in case there are hosepipe restrictions put in place.

Following these tips will hopefully save you money in the long run, make your time spent in the garden more efficient and create a more sustainable garden at the same time. If you need any other gardening advice or help with flower bulbs and grass seed then please contact us. Boston Bulbs Wholesale is a privately-owned business with over 35 years' experience of importing only the finest quality horticultural products throughout Europe and from farmers and growers all over the UK. Whether you're a landscaper, nursery, local authority, wholesaler, retailer, private business or individual gardener, give us a call on 01775 769 333 or visit /