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Here are our top tips for a thriving garden, whatever the weather, while also saving water and money.

Saving water is good for the environment and makes sure there’s enough water for everyone.

Simple swaps to save water and money

Here are a few easy changes you can make in your garden to save water, money, and help your garden grow:

A rainbow over fields

Check the weather

Plants don’t need constant watering, and overwatering can actually stop them from absorbing water. Check the forecast – if rain is on the way, you can let nature do the watering for you.

lavender field

Drought-tolerant plants

Plants with smaller, silver leaves reflect sunlight and reduce water loss through their leaves. Lavender, rosemary, and succulents are great choices as they’re naturally adapted to dry conditions.

A person planting a flower pot using a Swell Gel pouch

Protect your soil

Mulch, such as bark chippings, acts like a barrier between the soil and the sun. This helps water soak into the soil so your plants get more of it. You can also use SwellGel pouches that store water for your plants to use when they need it.

Woman filling up water butt

Use a water butt

Plants love rainwater because it has the perfect pH level for them. Collecting rainwater in a water butt is better for your plants, the environment, and your wallet, as it reduces the amount of water you use from the tap.

watering can watering plants

Use a watering can

A hosepipe can use a huge amount of water – up to 1,000 litres every hour! Using a watering can instead will save lots of water. If you have to use a hosepipe, fit a trigger nozzle so it only uses water when you need it.

burning sun

Water at the right time

The best time to water your plants is early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler. This stops the water from evaporating so your plants get the most benefit.

Fun for kids

Our AquaSmart programme teaches children how to save water. There are fun, FREE activities for the whole family, like scavenger hunts and making a rain cloud in a jar.

Become water-saving heroes by helping our Aquanauts on their missions! How many can you complete?

AquaSmart
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Working together to save water

We’re always working hard to make sure there’s enough water for everyone, especially as the seasons change. You can help too by making a few simple changes.

For more tips and to stay updated on the water situation in your area, visit our Water Latest page.

Water Latest

More ways to save water