Hosepipe Ban Tips

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Hosepipe ban in the UK came into effect on April 5,2012 although it has been raining almost constantly for weeks.

The weather predictions for the summer is Hot and DRY.

Plants are like humans they need water to disolve, absorb and transport nutrients. Photosynthesis is the process used by plants and algae and other organisms called photoautotrops capture the sun’s energy to split water’s hydrogen from oxygen. The hydrogen combined with carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere to form glucose and release oxygen,
6C02 + 6H02 = C6H1206 + 602
I have always been careful not to waste water but I watered my garden whenever necessary.
There are a number of things we can do to ensure your gardens flourish during the hosepipe ban.

1. Water butts
Butts can be purchased from the Local Council and DIY stores.
It is easier to access the water if the butt has a tap at the base and sits on a stand. Butts moulded to terracotta urns or recycled wooden barrels are more expensive.
Collect rainwater into butts from roofs of houses, garages, sheds, any structure that is connected to gutters, drainpipes and downpipes.

2. Greywater
Reusing waste water is known as “greywater.”
Save and reuse water from baths/showers, washing machines etc. Household soaps and detergents are harmless to plants, however, bleaches, disinfectants, dishwasher salt and stronger cleaning products should not be used, as they can harm the plants and damage the structure of the soil.
Greywater should be used as it is produced, if stored harmful organisms are likely to multiply
There are attachments available to divert outlet pipes into containers.
Blackwater
Water from WC or septic tanks should Never Be Used in the garden.

3. Add water retaining granules to your potted plants compost.

4. Mulch your plants with anything from vegetable waste, grass clippings and leaves they will preserve moisture and add nutrients to the soil.

5. Water when evaporation is minimal, early mornings or evenings. Do not water warm soil or during strong sunlight.
A good soaking in a small area is better than a spray over a large area.
Before watering check approximately 3 inches below the soil for moisture.
Water at the base of the plant this will ensure the water
goes straight to the roots.
Trenches at the base of larger plants will prevent the water running off.
Weeds are unwanted plants which will compete for water. It is important to weed regularly.

Make your garden more drought resistant:

Apply fertiliser, as plants use water most efficiently where adequate nutrients are present, too much fertiliser will encourage too much growth requiring a lot more water.
Choose plants which are suitable for the soil type.
Before planting soak plants in their pots in water until the bubbles stop rising to the surface. Thoroughly water in new plants until well established after planting mulch with compost
or gravel. They will adapt to conditions and develop greater resilience.
Consider planting drought tolerant plants the most well known are cacti but radishes, strawberries, blueberries, carrots,
beetroot, parnips and certain bean varieties, hostas, daylillies and iris will grow in sandy soil. Plants with silver and grey/green leaves reflects sunlight allows the plant to retain moisture