6 Expert Tips to Keep Your Garden Green During a Hosepipe Ban
With the first hosepipe ban of the year announced in one part of the UK this week, homeowners are being urged to act fast to protect their plants during the summer heat.
The garden experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have shared six practical and sustainable tips so that gardens can continue to thrive during a hosepipe ban without breaking the rules.
The average hosepipe uses 170 litres of water for every 10 minutes that it is turned on – the same as 19 toilet flushes in just 10 minutes. *
So as temperatures in the UK continue to soar and restrictions on water-usage are put in place, gardeners will need to find ways to adapt. *
Thankfully, there are plenty of creative and sustainable methods that can maintain healthy plant growth at times when water-use is restricted.
Hosepipe bans are a legal restriction set by water companies that prohibit the use of mains water during droughts and water shortages.
Breaking the rules can be costly and could result in a fine of up to £1,000; so it’s important to find smart, legal alternatives to keep gardens growing while a ban is in place. **
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “With hosepipe bans already in force and more likely to follow in other regions of the country, it’s important gardeners take proactive steps.
“From installing a water butt to reusing greywater and adding mulch, there are plenty of small changes you can make to help your garden survive the summer heat.
“With a few simple changes and clever adjustments, your garden can stay green and healthy, even with water restrictions.”
Six tips to ensure your garden thrives during a hosepipe ban:
- Use collected rainwater
Collecting rainwater from a water butt is a sustainable and efficient way to water your garden during a hosepipe ban. Water butts can be easily fixed to downpipes from your house, shed, or greenhouse, and rainwater contains fewer chemicals than tap water, making it gentler on plants.
- Repurpose greywater
Household wastewater from rinsing vegetables, washing up, or bathing can be used during a ban, provided it doesn’t contain strong detergent or bleach.
- Water smartly
Using a watering can gives you more control over how much water you use. Water plants early in the morning or after sunset to reduce evaporation, and focus on the roots instead of the leaves to ensure moisture gets where it’s needed most.
- Set up an irrigation system
Most UK water companies allow drip or trickle irrigation systems during a hosepipe ban. These systems, when pressure-reducing and connected to a timer, can cut water usage by up to 70% while delivering moisture directly to plant roots. Full-pressure sprinkler systems are not permitted in a hosepipe ban. It is important to check that your water company permits drip irrigation.***
- Mulch and cover soil
Adding mulch or compost around the base of plants slows evaporation and helps soil retain moisture for longer – keeping watering efforts to a minimum. Bark chips, wood shavings, or even cardboard can be used effectively as mulch.
- Prioritise essential plants
Focus on watering young or newly planted flowers, container plants, and crops that need consistent moisture to grow, like fruit and vegetables. Plants in potting sheds or greenhouses, which heat up quickly, should also be a priority, especially during heatwaves.
