Garden Hints and Tips

Great tips to making your garden more water efficient and sustainable.

Approximately 40% of household water use in Victoria is in the garden; by having a water efficient garden your home can not only save you water but also cut the cost of your water bills.

There are a number of things you can do to make your garden more sustainable, simply read through the seven key tips saving your garden’s water consumption while still maintaining a green pleasant and rewarding garden.

Tip 1- Planning and preparation

Careful planning is the key to saving water in your garden

Tip 2- Improve the soil

Soil moisture content is vital to the health of any plant. You can improve the organic matter of your soil by adding manure, compost and /or peat etc. A high level of organic matter in your soil will improve plant growth.

Tip 3 - Grow the right plants

When choosing plants it’s important to not only consider size, shape, function and appearance, but also the amount of water they will require. Many plants, particularly some of the Australian native species, grow and flourish on very little water. Your local nursery or Water Saver Garden Centre can offer valuable advice on water efficient plants and grasses.

Tip 4 - Reduce grassed areas

Lawns require more water than other areas of your garden and therefore offer the best opportunity to help you conserve water and save money. The type of grass you choose is also important with warm season grasses such as couch, buffalo and kikuyu needing less water than other varieties.

Tip 5 - Water Wisely

The ideal watering system is one which will deliver water directly to the plant roots, such as sub-surface drippers. A lot of water can be saved with a well designed watering system and using alternative water sources such as harvested rainwater.

Tip 6 - Use more mulch

Many gardens have too little mulch for it to be effective. A layer of good mulch of at least 75mm thick reduces evaporation from the soil subsurface by as much as 70%. Mulch also discourages weed growth, prevents erosion and evens out soils temperature variations.

Tip 7- Garden Maintenance

A water efficient garden requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains healthy. Your irrigation system should also be regularly checked to prevent leaks and wastage, mulches topped up and any new planting should be in line with the planned objective to saving water!

For more information....

If you would like further information please visit the following websites:

The savewater! plant selector recommends plants that have proved to be water efficient and very popular. We have selected approximately 250 plants that are attractive, robust and will grow in a wide range of conditions.

Savewater - www.savewater.com.au

Provides a range of information about saving water inside and outside your home.

Smartwater - www.smartwater.com.au

This is a joint initiative between the three Melbourne water retailers and the state government to provide information on innovative water conservation, water recycling and biosolids management solutions.

Sustainable Gardening Australia - www.sgaonline.org.au

Useful information, fact sheets and forums help you become a more sustainable gardener.

Smart Garden Watering - www.smartgardenwatering.org.au/index1.html

The interactive online gardening tool helps you better understand your garden requirements.