How Plants Use Water
Watering bans can be distressing for gardeners, but understanding how plants use water is key to managing them effectively during these periods. Plants absorb water through their roots and transport it to the rest of the plant via the xylem, a complex system of vascular tissues. The amount of water a plant uses depends on its size, age, and environmental conditions.
Watering Bans: What You Need to Know
Watering bans typically prohibit the use of hosepipes and sprinkler systems but allow watering with watering cans using mains water. This approach may seem counterintuitive, but it allows gardeners to use the water they have available in a more efficient manner. By focusing on retention and targeted watering, gardeners can reduce their water usage and protect their plants from drought stress.
Smart Watering Techniques
1. Apply Mulch to Conserve Soil Moisture
Mulch acts as a protective barrier between the soil and the direct heat of the sun, preventing the soil from overheating and reducing water evaporation from the surface. This means that plants retain moisture longer between waterings, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Use peat-free organic compost as mulch when possible, as it will gradually break down and enrich the soil with nutrients
- Choose a thick layer of mulch to cover the surface of flower beds and containers
2. Collect and Reuse Water from Multiple Sources
Collecting and reusing water from multiple sources can significantly stretch your available resources during ban periods. Install water butts to collect rainwater from your roof, and save household graywater from washing vegetables, rinsing dishes, or running taps while waiting for hot water. Cold bathwater and shower water can also be collected in buckets and used for watering.
3. Relocate Containers to Shaded Areas
Moving potted plants and containers away from direct sunlight can reduce water evaporation and heat stress. Position them against sheds, porches, or in naturally cooler corners of your garden, where they’ll be protected from the most intense sun. Leave drought-tolerant plants like succulents and silver-foliaged plants like lavender in their sunny spots, as these are naturally adapted to warmer, drier conditions.
4. Make Every Drop Count
When watering with a watering can, focus on the root zone rather than wetting the entire plant surface. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation losses, and water slowly and deeply rather than giving plants frequent shallow drinks. Prioritize newly planted specimens, containers, and valuable plants over established garden plants, which typically have deeper root systems and can better withstand temporary drought conditions.
5. Future-Proof with Drought-Resistant Plants
Use this watering ban as an opportunity to reassess your plant choices and gradually introduce more drought-tolerant varieties to your garden. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, along with plants with silver or grey foliage, typically require less water once established. Native plants are often better adapted to local rainfall patterns and soil conditions, making them naturally more resilient during dry spells.
6. Maintain Soil Health
Improve your soil’s ability to hold moisture by adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure during planting and maintenance periods. Healthy soil with good organic content acts like a sponge, holding onto water longer and making it available to plant roots over extended periods. Avoid walking on wet soil, as compaction reduces the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water.
7. Monitor and Modify Your Approach
Keep a close eye on your plants for signs of water stress, such as wilting leaves, brown edges, or dropping flowers, so you can prioritize your limited water resources effectively. Some temporary wilting during the hottest part of the day is normal and doesn’t necessarily indicate the plant needs immediate watering. Focus your attention on plants showing persistent stress symptoms and those in containers, which dry out much faster than plants in the ground.
8. Remove Dead or Dying Plant Material
Remove any dead or dying plant material to reduce the overall water demand on stressed plants and encourage them to focus their energy on survival rather than supporting damaged growth. This simple step can make a big difference in the long run.
