With the driest spring in more than a century recorded in some parts of the UK in 2025, The Environment Agency has already warned of a medium risk of a drought this summer.

While a hosepipe ban in 2025 has not been predicted (thanks in part to rain at the end of May and the start of June), the Government has convened a National Drought Group to help the country prepare.

With demand for water naturally rising in warmer months, it’s critical to save as much rainwater as possible on your plot, and also water more wisely so you waste less.

How to water plants during a hosepipe ban

Hosepipe bans are designed to restrict waste by banning the use of hoses for cleaning cars, filling pools and watering your garden.

Check with your water company to see if one has come into force in your area - as each one will have different restrictions. Some will allow drip irrigation on a timer, and you will also be allowed to use a watering can. Think about reusing grey water from washing (as long as it doesn't contain detergents).

Six drought gardening hacks you can use today

1. Mulch your soil to reduce moisture loss. Good soil management can make a huge difference to the soil's water and nutrient holding capacity. Layer a mulch of well-rotted compost around plants, or across the soil after watering.

2. Water effectively. Water early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler, so you lose less moisture through evaporation. Watering cans rather than hoses, allow you to be more accurate. Aim water at the roots of plants rather than the leaves and create little reservoirs in the soil around your plants so you can pool water into these.

3. Harvesting rainwater. Reuse valuable rainwater by fixing water butts to down pipes on sheds, greenhouses and roofs. If there is a hosepipe ban, you'll have your own store of water to use. Put saucers under pots, and sink bottles and pots into the ground to distribute water more slowly.

4. Create a windbreak. Wicking wind can strip leaves of moisture and increase transpiration. Companion plants such as tall sweetcorn can help shade the soil for smaller plants.

5. Choose drought tolerant plants. Plants such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, sedums or sempervivums require much less water and are a great choice for containers.

6. Make a self-watering container. We’ve built one of these in our organic demonstration garden at Ryton and it uses capillary action to siphon water. It means the container is gently irrigated and requires less watering. To make one follow our step-by-step guide here.

Find out more about using and managing water resources via our Watering Guide.