Table of contents
Having a garden unfortunately requires a lot of water. That is why savings and the maximum use of each liter are so important. We can reduce our expenses to a large extent without the risk of impoverishing and withering the plants. Not to mention the ethical aspect - Poland is at the bottom end in Europe when it comes to water abundance.
Water saving methods
- I water the plants less often, but more intensively. The water should reach the plant roots each time, also deep ones. With regular but short watering, its level remains in the surface layer of the soil, and then the result is small and the losses are significant.I work in the morning or evening in windless weather. The time of day has no particular effect on consumption, but reduces the risk of plant burns. In turn, with high winds, part of the water will be carried outside the garden.
- I use a hose fitted with a nozzle with a sprayer. Thanks to this, I water thoroughly, while saving water. This is especially important after planting the plants. First of all, I recommend installing an underground irrigation system that can reduce the amount of consumption by up to half and increases the efficiency of watering - water reaches even deep layers. And we, by the way, save time.
- I use rainwater for watering hard-to-reach places. Especially where water from automatic sprinklers does not reach - the edge of the garden, rebates behind the fence. Collecting rainwater into barrels, bathtubs and other containers is a huge saving! In this way, we get it basically for free (the expense is one-time - the purchase of appropriate dishes, if we do not have them).This solution works perfectly in my garden. I live in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, which is a relatively clean area, where the water is not polluted. For people living in more industrialized regions of the country, I suggest that they check the pH of the rainwater beforehand.
- I mulch the soil in spring. This allows to reduce the evaporation of water from the soil, reduces the development of weeds and has a positive effect on the quality of the substrate. For mulching I use pine bark and needles (good for acidophilic plants) and beech bark (if the soil is too acidic). In addition to the above-mentioned materials, grass, sawdust, compost and straw can also be used. Mulching to reduce water loss only makes sense when the soil is moist. Therefore, in hot summer, we first water the site, and then we start mulching.
- I mix the soil with manure and compost. Such a substrate retains moisture more easily.This is a practical method, especially recommended for light soils that lose water easily. I have also heard about the use of various hydrogels that retain significant amounts of water in the soil, but have not yet had the opportunity to put them into practice.
Michał Mazik
