How to Cope with a Ban on Hose Pipes

Do you live in an area where you cannot use a hose pipe? If so, we know just how difficult it can be during a drought. It is a good thing that we are here to give you some ideas on how to handle the cards that you have been dealt.

Follow these tips on making it through a drought even without using a hose pipe:

1. Avoid weeding

Do not disturb your soil through weeding since this will result in more loss of water. Do you have to get rid of weeds? If so, simply cut them at ground level but leave them in the roots and do not touch the soil.

2. Prioritize the parts of the garden in need of water

This refers to pots, shrubs, vegetable plots, and new trees. Aside from that, this also involves putting the lawn at the very bottom of your priorities. Remember, the grass there is resilient and can recover once the drought has passed.

3. Water at the right time

Choose to water either in the evening or the morning. At these times of the day, it is generally cooler. There will be less evaporation, so moisture retention will be better.

4. Mulch

Mulching refers to the act of adding a layer of material on top of the soil surface to keep moisture locked in. This reduces evaporation. You can make a mulch layer with bark, compost, straw, wool, and grass clippings.

5. Relocate potted plants

In general, pots are vulnerable and require daily watering. When it is particularly hot, move them to a shaded place to prevent evaporation. You can place small pots in a tray with a drain for water trapped at the bottom.

6. Water at the roots

Instead of sprinkling the water, pour it around the roots. This way, the water is guaranteed to reach the roots. By doing it this way, you only have to water your plants twice, if not once, a week.

7. Use grey water

In case you have no idea what grey water is, it refers to the water from the baths and sinks in your home. Yep, it might be waste water, but it will still be more useful if you use it to water the flower beds instead of simply going down your drain.

Climate change has impacted many aspects of our lives. It is best to prepare for its effects as early as possible for the sake of your garden.