Here are Bing’s AI suggestions for saving water when gardening

Water-Saving Gardening for Beginners

Water is a precious resource that we need to conserve for the health of our plants and the environment. Here are some tips on how to save water in your garden and still enjoy a beautiful and productive space.

• Collect rainwater. One of the easiest ways to save water is to collect rainwater from your roof, shed, greenhouse or other structures and store it in a water butt or barrel. You can use this water to irrigate your plants, especially those in containers or pots. Rainwater is also better for your plants than tap water, as it is free of chlorine and other chemicals¹²
• Use water-retaining crystals or gel. These are substances that you can mix with your potting soil or compost to help retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering. They absorb water when it is available and release it slowly when the soil dries out. You can find organic or seaweed-based options that are safe for your plants and wildlife²
• Mulch your soil. Mulching is the practice of covering the soil surface with a layer of organic material, such as straw, bark, wood chips, grass clippings or compost. Mulching helps prevent evaporation of water from the soil, keeps the roots cool and moist, suppresses weeds and adds nutrients to the soil. You should apply a 3-10 cm deep layer of mulch around your plants, leaving some space around the stems to avoid rotting²³
• Avoid sprinklers. Sprinklers are not very efficient and can waste a lot of water by spraying it on areas that don’t need it, such as paths, driveways or fences. They also lose water to evaporation and wind drift. Instead of sprinklers, use seep hoses, drip irrigation systems or watering cans to deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, where it is most needed²⁴
• Use grey water. Grey water is the water that you use for washing dishes, clothes, yourself or your pets. You can reuse this water for watering your garden, as long as it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, such as bleach, disinfectants or salt. You should also avoid using grey water on edible crops or plants that have sensitive roots, such as azaleas or rhododendrons. Grey water can help you save money on your water bills and reduce your environmental impact²⁴
• Water less frequently. One of the common mistakes that gardeners make is to overwater their plants, which can cause root rot, fungal diseases and nutrient leaching. Instead of watering your plants every day or every other day, try to water them deeply and infrequently, once every 10 days or so. This will encourage them to develop deeper and stronger root systems that can access more water and nutrients from the soil. You can also use a moisture meter or your finger to check the soil moisture before watering²⁴

These are some of the ways that you can save water in your garden and still enjoy a thriving and beautiful space. By following these tips, you will not only help your plants survive droughts and hosepipe bans, but also save money and protect the environment.

Happy gardening! 🌱