Watering responsibly – we’re all involved

Forty per cent of American rivers and a quarter of those in Western and Central Europe are extremely polluted, yet barely one per cent of the drinking water we supply is ever actually drunk. Watering responsibly – mulch, rainwater and the right hour of day – keeps a garden thriving on far less of a resource that is running short.

40% of American rivers and 25% of Western and Central Europe’s rivers are extremely polluted.

For the past two decades, raw water reserves are degrading at alarming rates.

It is now crucial to preserve this resource. Using it responsibly is one way of doi ng this.

Did you know?

• On average, only 1% of the annual supply of drinking water is actually drunk.
• Half of the world’s population will meet extreme water shortage in the course of the next quarter century.
• Preserving this rare resource is getting more and more important.

We often water too much and inappropriately.

First, reduce the amount of watering needed

Mulch and deep soil, let nature store water

Nature has many ways to store excess water, so a wise gardener finds ways to take advantage of it.

• Spread mulch everywhere you can: in flower beds, shrub beds, under fruit trees, to the side of walkways…
• Increase soil depth with raised gardening.
• Even lawns needn’t become ‘water sinks’: plant kikuyu grass, dethatch and topdress to turn rock-hard lawns into healthy, water-absorbing surfaces.

Lastly, use hydrogel in the garden as a way to store water and retain it for plants.

Water only during appropriate seasons

Water evaporates very fast under direct sun.

• In summer, it is much better to water in the cooler evening hours. These cool hours give plants and soil time to ‘drink up’ before all the water evaporates.
• In fall and spring, on the other hand, only water in the morning to avoid freezing.

Plant native plants

Native plants evolved over millennia to survive only with whatever water is naturally there.

• Ultimately, when selecting plants suited to the climate for your garden, you can do away with watering altogether!

What to use for watering

Best type of water for watering

Rainwater not only reduces your water bill, it is much healthier for your plants and vegetables, too.

• Best is to set up a rain water recovery system.
• Most rooftop materials are safe, but in some cases runoff may include contaminants. This is the case for brand-new roofs. Freshly painted roofs or those with peeling paint aren’t ideal, though.
• Generally, perfect materials for roofing and water collection are traditional, natural ones: slate, thatch, terra-cotta shingles, wood shingles…

Other types of water should only come as a backup:

• Tap water usually has chlorine and fluoride to control infections and bacteria, for instance.
• Watering with bottled water is a clear example of waste: all that pumping, filtering, packaging and transportation! Keep it for more essential needs such as preparing baby formulas and drinking for vulnerable people.
• Ground water or well water is often loaded with too many minerals. As a result, in time, irrigated soil often shows signs of mineral poisoning.
• Runoff water from roads picks up many pollutants. For example, small dust from tires, brake pads, and exhaust fumes contain heavy metals. They might end up in your vegetables! Even for flower gardens this isn’t ideal because polluted pollen kills bees and butterflies, too!

Which water to use in the garden

Not every source of water suits a garden equally. Here is what the article says about each one, and where it belongs in your watering routine.

Rainwater aside, every other source asks something in return – from your wallet, your soil or the wider environment.

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