Smart Watering Tips To Reduce Your Water Bill
Follow a few simple rules to water more effectively and reduce water consumption in your garden.
Gardens can be very water intensive. South Africa has a limited amount of water available due to our lower than global average annual rainfall and concerned consumers are looking for ways to contribute towards preserving our environment, as well as saving on high water bills. Our growing population leads to an increase in water consumption and many disadvantaged rural communities still do not have access to adequate clean water resources. This means that urban South Africans with regular access to water need to ensure that every drop is used to the maximum.
This does not mean that urban families should abandon their ideal of a beautiful garden. The decision to plant and nurture a garden makes a significant contribution to improving the value of your home and also offers your family the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Providing your children with a safe space to play and discover nature is one reason to establish a family garden, while gardening itself is an excellent way to reduce your daily stress levels. The sense of accomplishment that is gained from watching your garden bloom can play a significant role in maintaining good mental health.
We have lost wide areas of trees and greenery due to the recent rapid rates of urban development and helping to replenish these lost trees and plants is critical in maintaining healthy air in our cities. Beautiful parks and public spaces play an important role in building a healthy society. A water wise garden requires less maintenance than normal gardens, while helping to contribute towards preserving the environment. By using water in intelligent and resourceful ways we will be able to save water while still enjoying its benefits.
Conserve water in your garden by following some simple guidelines:
+ Choose water wise plants - Generally the best suited plants are those indigenous to your area, as they seldom need additional watering. They are usually well suited to the average amount of water your garden will receive naturally.
+ Group plants according to their water needs - In this way you can choose plants which might be very beautiful, but which might require more water. If you plant these in groups you can use some of the other tips below to minimize water loss.
+ Improve your soil and add mulch - Your soil's water-holding capacity is improved by higher organic matter content. Mulching, which involves covering the soil with a thick layer of bark or compost keeps your soil much more moist.
+ Find out what type of soil you have - This will affect the amount of time you need to water to achieve optimal results. Test how long you can water, before you start to experience run-off. Watch out for clay soil which has a low water infiltration rate and will need to be watered in short bursts to allow the water to penetrate. Beds of plants can consume a large amount of water but mulching and adding water retention granules will substantially reduce your need to water.
+ What time of day should I water- The best times to water are early in the morning or in the early evening, but these rules do change based on the seasons. Watering in the evening in winter can put your plants at risk for frost damage. Avoid watering at midday, as the sun is at its height and thus evaporation levels are at their highest, meaning less water being used will actually reach the roots of your plants. Watering at night in summer can increase your garden's risk for contracting fungal diseases. This tip especially applies to lawns.
+ When do I start to water - In early spring most plants are "programmed" to start flourishing after the first spring rains. Take this time to water lightly and spend your time enriching your soil and applying top dressings. Take the wind into consideration as high winds will increase the evaporation of your water.
+ Regularly inspect your irrigation system - If you have one, conduct regular inspections to detect leaks or problems early and avoid prolonged wastage as well as an unpleasant surprise when your water bill arrives. Constant observation will let you know if there are any potential problems early on, giving you enough time to find a solution, before it becomes critical.
+ Adjust the run times on your irrigation controller according to season - The amount of water your garden needs will be affected by the prevailing weather conditions. If it is hot and windy you need extra water, if it is cool or humidity is high, you garden will need less water. Remember to reduce your run times during winter when most plants are dormant and don't need a lot of water. Increase your run times in spring and water the most during the heat of summer.
These are a few tips to help you with conserving water in your garden. By using these water wise hints you will be able to make a difference to the environment almost immediately.
Walter Penfold is the CEO of Wetec, a leading supplier of landscape irrigation products, see www.wetec.co.za for more watering tips