 | Leave the grass clippings on the lawn after you mow or pile them on garden beds to prevent water loss through evaporation. Avoid cutting your grass so frequently as taller grass holds more water. |
| Use mulch or worms to improve the condition of your soil in garden beds. The water will then soak in, prevent up to 80% of evaporation loss. Mulch increases water retention, provides organic materials and nutrients essential to plant health. For best results apply at least 15cm thick. |
| Use a 'trigger' hose nozzle. This ensures better control and avoids wasted water when moving around your garden. |
| Use a soil wetting solution to increase soil ?wettability' and water absorption and decrease run-off. These factors encourage deeper root systems and hardier plants. Effective on lawns, garden beds, potted and hanging plants. |
| Moisture crystals. These small crystals swell to 100's of times their size in water. They act to retain water in the soil, making it available to plant roots for longer. Great for potted and hanging plants. Remove a small amount of soil from around plants (at least 5cm deep), sprinkle crystals and replace soil, or mix through potting mix. |
| Aerate the soil to allow better absorption of water. |
| Water gardens longer and less frequently. This encourages deep root systems and helps them to be less dependent on regular watering. |
| Move potted plants into the shade to reduce water loss through evaporation. |
| Delay new plantings, particularly lawns. New plants tend to require large and frequent watering. Give your plants a better change at life by waiting until the rains come. |
| Reuse water on your garden. Use a basin in your sink, water from your washing machine. Use phosphate-free detergents. |
| Sweep pathways with a broom. |
