Water use in the garden

Best organic practice - the first choice

• The Organic Way article Gardening with water in mind (PDF 713Kb) contains lots of useful advice and information
• Grow drought tolerant plants where soil is light and free draining

• Maximise water holding capacity of soil by adding organic matter

  See also:

  • Soil care - Bulky organic materials guidelines

• Mulch the soil to reduce water loss

  See also:

  • Weeds - management, control and ground clearance guidelines
  • Soil care - Bulky organic materials guidelines
• Keep soil cultivations to a minimum
• Don't cut lawn grass shorter than 2.5cm; leave it slightly longer in drought conditions
• Allow weeds such as clover and yarrow to grow in a lawn; they will help to keep it green in dry weather
• Ensure pond liners don't leak, reducing the need for topping up
• Try to sow or transplant just before rain is forecast, rather than just before a spell of dry weather
• Protect young plants from sun and drying winds
• Collect as much rain water as you can
• Think before you water; established plants rarely need watering

Acceptable organic practice

• Make efficient use of water by only watering at key points in a plant's lifecycle, and then only if necessary

  See also:

  • Water in the organic garden factsheet
• Give plants a good soaking so that the water penetrates the soil
• Apply water to the soil rather than foliage. A hand held hose or watering can will direct the water where it is needed
• If using an irrigation system, chose a drip system rather than sprinklers
• Water in the evening or at night rather than in the heat of the day to minimise losses through evaporation

Acceptable, but not for regular use

• Use 'grey' water, from baths, sinks and showers, to water non-food plants

  See also:

  • Water in the organic garden factsheet

Never acceptable in an organic garden

• Watering established plants
• Watering little and often