Keeping gardens green
Most of us love to keep our gardens lush and green while also being mindful of water conservation. This is especially true during summers in Rodney District and Hibiscus Coast when it’s not pouring with rain.
So, in an effort to help you maintain a beautiful garden while conserving precious water, we’ve had a chat with our plumbing team and we’ve put together our top six summer irrigation tips.
With these water-smart strategies and summer irrigation tips, you can have a lush, sustainable garden while still saving water.
Our Orewa plumbing team is here to assist you with all your plumbing and irrigation needs in Orewa and the surrounding areas. Together we can keep our gardens green and our water usage sustainable. Happy gardening!
Install a drip irrigation system
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of your plants so they minimise evaporation and runoff. When compared to sprinkler systems, a drip system can reduce water usage by up to 50%. Don’t forget to inspect your irrigation system regularly for leaks, clogs, or misalignments. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of litres of water over time.
Mulch, mulch, mulch
Applying a layer of mulch or compost around your plants helps retain moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation. Organic mulches like wood chips or straw also improve soil health as they decompose while suppressing those nuisance weeds.
Water wisely
Timing is key when it comes to watering your garden and so are the tools. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to minimise evaporation loss. Avoid watering on windy days, as it can lead to uneven distribution and water wastage. Invest in a trigger hose for precise watering. Also, it might seem an obvious thing to say, but don’t forget to check the weather forecast before watering. Mother Nature might just take care of your garden watering needs for you, maybe even while you sleep.
Choose drought-tolerant plants
Opting for native or drought-tolerant plants suited to the north Auckland climate can significantly reduce your garden’s water requirements. These plants have adapted to survive with minimal water and maintenance, making them perfect for our dry summers.
Tailored watering for different garden zones
Not all areas of your garden require the same amount of water. For instance, plants in direct sunlight are likely need more frequent watering compared to those in shaded areas. So, take a targeted approach. By customising your irrigation plan, you can prevent both over- and underwatering of plants. Additionally, water the base of plants rather than the foliage to prevent diseases and ensure efficient absorption. Also, don’t cut the lawns too short. A lawn with longer grass can hold water so requires less irrigation.
Harness what you have
Harness rainwater and recycled greywater. Install rain barrels or tanks to collect rainfall. You can also repurpose greywater from household activities like showering, laundry or dishwashing to irrigate your plants. Simply pop a bucket in the shower to catch all the cold water while the shower’s heating up. If you need to wash your car, wash it on the lawn so your lawn gets watered as well.