Wise About Water

You can still have a beautiful garden while being wise and efficient about water use!

It has been highlighted by consumer research commissioned by NGIA that many people are feeling confused, uncertain, and even guilty about using water in their gardens, and that they are looking for ways to have a beautiful garden while still saving water.

It's easier to be wise about water than you think. All you need to know is when to water, how long to water for and how best to water your plants.

Your local garden centre is the best place to go for help and advice, but these tips below will give you a good overview about gardening while still being Water Wise.

Water right

• Make sure plants are thirsty before you water
• Direct the water down to the roots where plants drink
• Remember that different plants have different water needs - your local garden centre can give you the right advice to use water wisely in your garden

Nurture your soil

• Great soil is the building block of a great garden
• Healthy soils are full of nutrients for your plants and hold water longer
• Use plenty of mulch and add compost regularly - ask your local garden centre what types are best for your garden's soil and plants

Use smart technology

• Use the latest smart watering technology for improved water efficiency. Products including trigger nozzles, wet pots, smart planter technology, aqua spikes and rotator sprinklers can all help. They use water efficiently and get water right down to the roots where it is needed. Go to www.smartwatermarket.org for more information on smart watering technology
• Wetting agents including water crystals, gel irrigation supplements and potting mixes are great for soils that don't seem to absorb water and for lawns and pots that have dried out. Find the best product for your conditions at your local garden retailer

Plant water wise plants

• Select regional specific plants that will flourish in your garden and various water wise flowering plants to add festive colour to your summer garden. Great water wise options include local indigenous plants that have adapted to the local rainfall and temperature. For example, winter/spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils and irises. Click here to find out more