With water shortages back in the news, hosepipe bans and drought orders already in force in some parts of the UK, and more expected for the summer, what measures can gardeners take to preserve this precious resource?
B&Q have put together some hints and tips for green gardeners who want to save water:
- Choose plants which don’t require much water. B&Q’s range of Oleanders and Bottle Bush Palms require very little watering.
- Watering from a watering can is still permitted during hosepipe bans – so why not invest £3.28 a Standard Watering Can from B&Q?
- Water your garden in early morning or late evening, but not during the day, otherwise much of the water is wasted in evaporation, and you run the risk of scorching the leaves.
- Consider adding mulches or chipped bark to flower beds, to help retain moisture in warm weather. B&Q’s Hardwood Chips are produced from sustainable sources and cost just £4.98 for a 65 litre bag.
- Use a water retaining product like Phostrogen Swell Gel Crystals (£4.98 for a 250g bag at B&Q) to retain water in hanging baskets. This saves water, and watering time too!
- Hosepipe bans mean water could be at a premium this summer, so why not invest in a water butt, which will allow you to save rainwater to keep your garden well watered until Autumn. This slim space-saving water butt costs £17.98 from B&Q.
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