Sprinkler water saving tips

A lawn soaks up more water per square metre than any other area in your garden. Just 10mm of water is enough to give your garden a good soaking.

Watering your garden during the heat of the day is wasteful because much of the water will evaporate before it even reaches the roots. In fact, watering the leaves at this time can damage them.

All plants, depending on their size and placement, have different water requirements. By selecting the correct method of irrigation you will best meet the needs of your plants.

You can over-water your lawn if you don't follow these steps:

• Water it only twice a week to toughen the grass and encourage the roots to spread deeper.
• Water your garden less often but more thoroughly. This encourages your plants to extend their roots deeper, making them hardier and less thirsty.
• When mowing, don't cut the grass shorter than 2cm. If you do it won't have enough leaf area to protect itself from the burning effects of the sun.
• Have you checked your sprinkler system lately? Reset your automatic timer to the irrigation restrictions and choose a sprinkler that produces big drops rather than a fine mist.
• Taking a holiday? Make sure whoever is looking after your lawn knows when to water and for how long.
• Water your garden in the cool of the morning or late evening (on the appropriate irrigation day), when your plants can get maximum benefit from the water you give them.
• Put an ice cream container on your lawn and turn on the sprinkler. When the water in it is 10mm deep, you know your garden's had enough for that session. Don't forget to adjust your timer accordingly.
• If you have a manual sprinkler system, use your phone or kitchen timer to remind you of your necessary time you have for watering - don't over water.
• Check outside hoses, taps and automatic sprinklers for leaks.
• Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid water wasting on pavements, drives and patios.
• Probe with a long screwdriver or spade to see if water is reaching the deepest roots.

Composting, mulching and fertilising

The healthiest gardens are not necessarily the ones getting the most water. Good gardeners use plant materials to mulch around tender plants. The mulch holds the water close to the soil and keeps it from evaporating on hot, windy days. Mulch also slows weed growth and gradually breaks down the build-up of humus in the soil.

Composting organic material and spreading it over flower beds is also a water saver.

Lawns need the appropriate fertiliser to grow strong and green. Choose a good grade of fertiliser that gives your lawn a balanced diet of minerals and nutrients.