Saving water without giving up for your garden and vegetable garden is possible. It is still necessary to know the good practices and the right tips, especially in these summer periods characterized by episodes of heat waves and other heat waves.
The more it goes, the more water becomes a rare and precious resource (climate change and the disruption of the freshwater cycle have been there). Fortunately, there are solutions to keep growing flowers and vegetables without wasting water unnecessarily. Here are six.
Optimize watering
A plant that needs water cannot be deprived of water. However, in order for this gesture to be as economical and effective as possible, it is recommended not to water at any time of the day. In summer, especially in very hot weather, it is better to water at the very end of the day/beginning of the evening. This is the time when evaporation will be lowest. This way your plants get the most out of the water you give them.
Also don’t hesitate to check the weather forecast. You do not have to water your flowers or your vegetable garden two hours before the announcement of heavy rain or storm. You risk watering for nothing or, worse, drowning your plants.
Prioritize the use of rainwater
Rather than using running water, it is best to use the water that comes naturally from the air. It is more economical and more ecological. Various methods are available for this.
- The rainwater tank for outside
- The Tank to Be Buried
- The homemade recuperator
- buckets
Install Oyas
Sunken under the soil of your vegetable garden or your flower bed, these clay pots distribute water in a natural way and adapted to the needs of the plantations: when the soil is wet, the oya does not spread water. If the soil is very dry, it will spread a lot. Ancient, ecologically and economically, this method has recently experienced a huge revival. It must be said that it is very adapted to the current demands of sobriety. Go here to make your own oyas.
Adopt drip irrigation
This watering system is easy to install and delivers the right amount of water for your plants exactly where it is needed. In addition, it is programmable and you can water at the best times of the day, when the chance of evaporation is lowest.
Think about mulching
In addition to protecting plants from the winter cold, slowing weed growth (“weeds”) and limiting soil compaction, mulching also helps to reduce evaporation phenomena and thereby conserve water. We would be wrong to deprive ourselves of it.
Choose your plants
Not all plants have the same water needs. So, as far as possible, it is better to choose those that need the least (acanthus, fescue, gazanias…). Go here for more information.
Simple gestures, but that change everything.