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In the garden

In the garden

Be a water-wise gardener.

Outdoor water use accounts for 25-50% of the average Australian home’s water use and is an area where huge amounts of water are wasted - particularly in the summer months.

Here are a few simple things you can do to save water in the garden and outside the home.

Watering

Visit the Smart Garden Watering website to help calculate how much water your garden needs and explore ways of watering your garden more efficiently.

Design or revamp a garden

A water wise garden not only helps save a precious resource, it also has a greater ability to survive in our changing climate – especially during times of drought when water restrictions are needed.

If you’re designing a garden from scratch or revamping an existing one, visit the Smart Water Mark website for useful ideas and tips. You’ll find information on design, drought tolerant plants, garden water features and different types of lawns.

Visit Smart Water Mark

Mulch your garden

Mulching provides excellent nutrients to your plants and will reduce natural evaporation by up to 70%.

Add compost to your garden

In a study undertaken by the University of Nebraska, increasing the organic matter in soil not only increases the absorption rate of water into soil, but also increase the water holding capacity of the soil. Meaning that you have to water less often. 

The study found that a 1% increase in organic matter in the top 30cm of soil will increase available water capacity by around 1%.

So why not add some compost to your garden this weekend? And don’t forget to mulch.

Install a rainwater tank

Capturing rainwater to use in your garden is an excellent way to reduce the amount of drinking water you use. Discuss your options with your local licensed plumber, who will also have to complete the installation.

Washing the car

Use a bucket and sponge to wash the car and do it on the lawn instead of the driveway. When rinsing, use a hose with a trigger nozzle.

Swimming pools

Cover your pool to reduce evaporation and keep dirt and leaves out. Check the pool for leaks.

For more tips on where to save water outdoors, visit the Smart Watermark website.

More tips to save drips!