Use this guide during hot weather, a dry spring or a hosepipe ban. Have a watering can, a hose with a trigger nozzle if allowed, mulch material, and any water butts you have.
Step by step
Check for restrictions
Check whether your water company has announced a temporary use ban, often called a hosepipe ban, for your area. If there is one, use watering cans filled from the tap, water butts or reused household water instead of a hose. Restrictions and exemptions vary, so follow your water company's guidance.
Prioritise what to water
Water containers, new plantings from the past year, vegetables and seedlings first, as they have the least root reserves. Established trees, shrubs and lawns can usually survive a dry spell. A brown lawn normally recovers once rain returns.
Water at the right time
Water early in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler, so less evaporates. Avoid the middle of the day. Morning watering also reduces the damp conditions slugs enjoy overnight.
Water deeply at the roots
Direct water to the base of each plant rather than over the leaves. Give a thorough soak so water reaches deeper roots, rather than a daily sprinkle that only wets the surface. Check by pushing a finger into the soil a few centimetres down.
Lock in moisture
Spread a layer of mulch, such as compost, bark or leaf mould, over moist soil around plants. Move containers into shade and group them together. Stand pots on saucers during the hottest spells.
Collect and reuse water
Fit a water butt to a downpipe from the house, shed or greenhouse to catch rain. Cool, used washing-up or bath water without strong chemicals or bleach can be used on ornamental plants, but not on edible crops. Keep water butts covered for safety.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Water company restrictions checked
- Containers, new plants and vegetables prioritised
- Watering done early morning or evening
- Water directed at the roots
- Soil checked a few centimetres down
- Mulch spread over moist soil
- Water butt fitted or planned
Practical tips
- Sink an upturned plastic bottle with the base cut off next to thirsty plants so water goes straight to the roots.
- Raise the mower blades during dry weather, as longer grass copes better with drought.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants, such as lavender and many Mediterranean herbs, for sunny, dry spots in future.
Common problems
Water runs straight off the compost in pots.
Dried-out compost can repel water. Stand the pot in a bucket or tray of water for an hour so it soaks up from below, then let it drain.
Plants wilt in the afternoon even though the soil is moist.
Many plants droop in strong heat to save water and recover by evening. If they are still wilting next morning in moist soil, check for root problems or waterlogging.
There is a hosepipe ban and my vegetables need water.
Use watering cans filled from the tap or water butts and focus on crops close to harvest and young plants. Mulch well and water at the roots only to make every can count.