In the garden

There are many simple things we can do in our gardens to save water, money and the environment. Here are a few easy ideas to practice when you're pottering around outdoors.

Everybody loves to have a garden which is healthy and alive, and you can be wise about your water use and keep it that way if you follow these simple tips:

  • Water your garden in the cool of the early morning, or in the evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.
  • It's best to water the roots and soil around plants rather than spraying the leaves and flowers.
  • Use deep mulch and add compost to your soil. These add nutrients and help to retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
  • If you need a watering system consider installing a drip irrigation system. It will cut wastage by making sure the water goes only where you need it.
  • Regularly check your outdoor taps, pipes and plumbing fixtures for leaks. Just one dripping tap can waste 2,000 litres a month.
  • Keep all your kitchen scraps, lawn clippings and garden waste - they're perfect for homemade compost, which your soil will love.
  • Water level gardens for longer, but less often, to promote deeper roots and hardier, healthier, drought tolerant plants. Remember to only use a hand-held hose or watering can or install drip irrigation. (About 12 millimetres of water an hour is enough for most sessions.)
  • Take some time to relax in your garden and water by hand with a can or trigger nozzle. It's one of the best ways to make sure your plants get just the right amount of water.
  • Never hose paths, patios and driveways. Use a broom, rake or outdoor blower or vacuum instead.

If you are establishing a new garden or redeveloping an existing one then consider the following:

  • When planting new garden beds, group plants with similar watering needs together.
  • Choose local native plant varieties and other water wise plants that attract wildlife and require less maintenance and watering.

If you have a lawn

  • When washing your car, park it on the lawn and use a bucket for washing and rinsing. You will save water, as well as water and fertilise your lawn - car shampoos use phosphates that are similar to many fertilisers.
  • To assist the establishment of your new lawn and to minimise the amount of water it requires, it is recommended that you apply a light top dressing. Talk to your local nursery or landscape supplier about a suitable weed-free, sand based, organic top dressing mix.
  • Use a hand-held hose to give your lawn a good soaking every now and again. This will help make your lawn more drought resistant by encouraging deeper roots.
  • When mowing, cut only the top third of the leaf area of your lawn to keep it longer, leaving it three centimetres or higher. Reduce water loss even further by saving your lawn clippings to use as mulch on your lawn or garden.
  • When deciding on a lawn type, go for slow growing, water saving varieties like Palmetto. They have deep roots for drought tolerance and they don't need mowing as much as other varieties.

If you own a pool:

  • Keep your pool’s water level halfway up the skimmer opening. Overfilling the pool stops the skimmer working efficiently and wastes water.
  • Ensure that your pool has a cover. This is a clever way to reduce evaporation and the need for regularly top ups. More than half the water in your pool can evaporate over a year if it is left uncovered.

Useful links

With over 52% of water being used in the Tasmanian garden, there are numerous resources available about how you can save water in the garden.

Gardening Australia has been focusing on water wise gardening for a number of years. The show has produced a number of fact sheets on the topic. To view the fact sheets, click here.

To find links and resources for water saving in the garden, click here.