Tips on how to save water in the garden

Tip 1: Plant Mediterranean and drought-tolerant plants. These are the most suited to periods of dry soil and are often adapted to dry climates.

Tip 2: Group plants with high water requirements together, like seasonal vegies, to improve watering efficiencies.

Tip 3: Water plants longer but less frequently, wetting the area around the roots rather than the foliage. This should be done early in the morning.

Tip 4: If using tank water, get a sign and put it up so that everyone knows you're using your own water. If you don't have a tank, consider installing one to help water your garden next year.

Tip 5: Mulch and improve soil with compost and organic matter to increase the water holding capacity of your soil and to helps minimise water loss through evaporation and weeds.

Tip 6: Capture water from when the tap or shower is warming up to use on indoor plants, in your kettle or out in the garden.

Tip 7: Increase the mowing height of lawns to reduce water use. Lawns cut too short need much more water as they have had their ‘food-making’ capabilities severely reduced.

Tip 8: Group pots and provide some shade to try to minimise moisture loss. Pots notoriously need more water than soil-grown plants.

If you have room and the right environment, consider planting them into the ground next autumn.