Water conservation techniques for your garden

With all the rain we get in the UK, water doesn't always seem like a precious resource. But the reality is, the more use we can make of natural water sources, the more we can help our environment, our gardens and also save on our utility bills. Preserving water becomes especially helpful in summer.

In this blog post we look at some ways to make the most of natural water sources.

Use mulch

Mulching is one of the most effective ways to conserve water in your garden. It helps to retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation. A good layer of mulch can help prevent weed growth, reducing competition for water and nutrients.

You can use mulch on the top layer of the soil to retain moisture, suppress weeds and protect plant roots. 

Mulch is made up of organic materials that haven't fully decomposed yet, such as discarded leaves.

It also keeps soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter, which benefits plant roots.

A good layer of mulch can help prevent weed growth, reducing competition for water.

Harvest rainwater

Rainwater harvesting is an excellent way to reduce reliance on water supply, conserve water and give your garden the nutrition it wants.

A modern twist on a water butt, like a Dipping Tank Water Butt, is both a stylish and efficient way to sustainably collect rainwater for your garden.

All you need to do is position the tank near a gutter downpipe and attach a diverter for seamless rainwater collection via the rainwater diverter kit. You can also direct water from your greenhouse or shed gutter straight into the tank.

This gives you a healthy rain water collection to water your garden with. You can also dip your watering can in and use the rain water to water your indoor plants, which they also prefer to tap water as it has fewer chemical and more nutrients.

Watering techniques

In the heat of summer, watering in the early morning or late evening reduces evaporation losses

On the flip side, overwatering can harm plants and waste water. Ensure that the soil has dried out between watering sessions and keep an eye on the weather, if there is rain on the way you might not need to water.

Implementing water conservation techniques in your garden not only saves a valuable resource but also helps to cultivate a healthier, more sustainable garden environment. With some simple changes, you can enjoy the benefits of a sustainable garden that supports both your lifestyle and the planet.

Reducing the need to water 

The green roof of all Bluum Green Roof Products comes with free capillary matting. This lines the inside of the roof, sitting between the waterproof membrane and the soil, holding water to help keep your plants moist and reducing the need for watering. Plant species such as sedum are particularly hardy, and thanks to the capillary matting will only need extra watering during very hot or dry weather periods.  More information on planting your green roof can be seen here.