| Here are the top 10 ways to protect your garden during a water drought, focusing on resilience, efficiency, and long-term sustainability: |
| Use Mulch Generously Mulch conserves moisture by reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, and regulating soil temperature. Best choices: bark chips, straw, compost, or leaf mold. Water Smart (Early or Late) Water should be used early or late in the evening to minimise evaporation. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots. Group Plants by Water Needs Create “hydrozones” in your garden so thirsty plants are grouped. This helps prioritise watering and avoids waste. Add Organic Matter to Soil Well-composted soil holds water better. Add organic matter regularly to improve moisture retention and plant health. Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants Opt for plants adapted to dry conditions, like: Lavender Sedum Salvia Echinacea Mediterranean herbs (thyme, rosemary) Reduce Lawn Area Lawns are water-intensive. Replace part of it with: Gravel gardens Wildflower meadows Low-water ground covers (e.g., creeping thyme) Use Greywater (Safely) Reuse household water from sinks, baths, or washing machines (using eco-friendly products). This is ideal for trees, shrubs, or ornamental beds. Install Water Butts & Harvest Rainwater Capture rain from rooftops using barrels or tanks. It’s ideal for hand-watering or topping up irrigation systems. Weed Regularly Weeds compete for water. Keep beds tidy to ensure your plants get the most from the limited moisture. Shade Vulnerable Plants Use shade cloths, temporary structures, or companion planting to reduce heat stress and slow evaporation around delicate plants. |
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