Agenda 21

Everyone can help by becoming more aware of how much water they use. By taking a few simple steps to make better use of water in our gardens and homes, we can all help to make a difference.

Here are some more practical hints to help you save water around the garden:

Prevent evaporation from the sides of terracotta pots by lining them with polythene before planting, taking care not to block the drainage holes. Clustering pots together also helps by providing them with a little shade.

Recycle household water. Washing up water and bath water can both be safely used on lawns and established plants in beds and borders. Avoid using them on vegetables and plants in containers. The water from dishwashers and washing machines contains a high concentration of salts and detergents so is not recommended.

Adding water retention crystals to pots, tubs and hanging baskets when planting up will help to keep the compost moist. Mossed hanging baskets can also be lined with plastic to reduce water loss.

Hoe weeds regularly to prevent them from stealing water and nutrients.

Collect rainwater by installing a water butt. Thousands of gallons of water run off roofs during the year. Even storing a small proportion of this will help in drier periods. This water is especially good for lime-sensitive plants like rhododendrons and azaleas. The easiest way to collect rainwater is to fit a diverter to your downpipe which channels water into the butt.

In windy gardens, plants can lose a tremendous amount of moisture through their leaves. Putting up a windbreak such as a fence or hedge, can be extremely beneficial and save hours of watering.

Watering cans, when full, can be rather heavy and especially difficult to lift when watering hanging baskets. Use a 1 llitre drinks bottle instead - it's lighter and holds just the right amount of water for most baskets.

Don't waste vegetable peelings, grass clippings or autumn leaves - turn them into home made compost. It's easy to make, will improve your soil and won't cost you a penny.

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In the Garden 3 - Water use/Garden tips
In the garden: the facts Did you know, a dripping tap can waste 5,000 litres of water every year? Water butts catching rainwater will help reduce water use during dry spells
What can I do? Everyone can help by becoming more aware of how much water they use. By taking a few simple steps to make better use of water in our gardens and homes, we can all help to make a difference. Here are some more practical hints to help you save water around the garden: Prevent evaporation from the sides of terracotta pots by lining them with polythene before planting, taking care not to block the drainage holes. Clustering pots together also helps by providing them with a little shade. Recycle household water. Washing up water and bath water can both be safely used on lawns and established plants in beds and borders. Avoid using them on vegetables and plants in containers. The water from dishwashers and washing machines contains a high concentration of salts and detergents so is not recommended. Adding water retention crystals to pots, tubs and hanging baskets when planting up will help to keep the compost moist. Mossed hanging baskets can also be lined with plastic to reduce water loss. Hoe weeds regularly to prevent them from stealing water and nutrients. Collect rainwater by installing a water butt. Thousands of gallons of water run off roofs during the year. Even storing a small proportion of this will help in drier periods. This water is especially good for lime-sensitive plants like rhododendrons and azaleas. The easiest way to collect rainwater is to fit a diverter to your downpipe which channels water into the butt. In windy gardens, plants can lose a tremendous amount of moisture through their leaves. Putting up a windbreak such as a fence or hedge, can be extremely beneficial and save hours of watering. Watering cans, when full, can be rather heavy and especially difficult to lift when watering hanging baskets. Use a 1 llitre drinks bottle instead - it's lighter and holds just the right amount of water for most baskets. Don't waste vegetable peelings, grass clippings or autumn leaves - turn them into home made compost. It's easy to make, will improve your soil and won't cost you a penny.
How can I do it? The Recycle Works offer the best deals on water butts made from recycled plastic
More Information Ofwat - The Water Regulator Environment Agency Here is a useful list of websites for governemtn agencies, regulators and water companies who can be contacted for advice and information on saving water Navigation: Green Living > In the Garden 1 > 2 > 3