Garden Hacks: 10 Ways to Save Water and Keep Your Plants Happy

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Gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be a bit of a water guzzler. When it comes to landscape inspiration and solutions for Australia gardens, it’s important to find ways to be more water-wise.

Here are 10 super simple tips that will help you save water and keep your plants happy and healthy for longer

  1. Group plants with similar water needs together. That way, you can tailor your watering schedule to meet the needs of all your plants without over or under watering any of them.
  2. Use mulch! A thick layer of mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil and prevents evaporation. Plus, it keeps those pesky weeds at bay. Win, win, win!
  3. Water your plants in the morning or evening when it’s cool outside. Water vapourises quickly in hot, direct sunlight which means your plants are likely losing precious moisture before they even have a chance to absorb it. By watering in the cooler hours of the day, you can help reduce evaporation and give your plants a better chance to stay hydrated.
  4. Check your soil before watering. Is it dry? Does it need water? There’s no point in watering if the soil is already moist, so get to know your soil type and how often it needs to be watered.
  5. Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose for deep, slow watering. This method allows water to seep directly into the root zone where it’s needed most without wasting any water through evaporation or runoff. Plus, it’s really easy to set up!
  6. Collect rainwater! You can use rain barrels or containers to collect rainwater, which you can then use to water your plants. Not only is this free water, but it’s also softer than tap water which is better for your plants’ delicate roots.
  7. When you do use tap water, try not to let it run while you’re waiting for it to reach the desired temperature. Instead, collect that cold water in a bucket and use it to water your plants or fill up your rain barrel. Every little bit helps!
  8. Don’t forget about native plants! Native plants are adapted to local conditions, which means they require less water and maintenance overall. Do some research and find out what types of native plants will thrive in your area before heading to the nursery.
  9. Xeriscaping is another great way to conserve water in the garden by using drought-tolerant plant species that require little to no supplemental watering once established. If you live in an area with low rainfall, this could be a great option for you.
  10. Use greywater (wastewater from things like washing dishes, laundry, or showering; all of which can be reused on outdoor plants). Just be sure not to use greywater from chemical-based cleaners or soaps though, as this could harm your plants. Collecting and reusing greywater is an easy way to reduce waste and save money on your monthly water bill!

Ready to get started?

Gardening is a great way to get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy some quality time with nature – but it doesn’t have to be hard on the environment. By taking on-board just a few of the simple tips listed here, you can make your garden more water conservation-friendly while still keeping your plants happy and healthy. So why not give some of these tips a try? Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you!