"Experts suggest that it's still worthwhile to buy a water barrel, as they explain the advantages of installing one even during a hosepipe ban"
As summer approaches and the weather becomes unpredictable, many parts of the UK may face hosepipe bans to conserve water. However, it is still beneficial to buy a water butt during a hosepipe ban, according to gardening experts and professionals.
Water butts allow you to harvest and store rainwater every time it rains, even during short showers, so you can keep your garden hydrated without breaking hosepipe ban rules. By collecting rainwater, you can reduce the need to use mains water for plants, which is especially important when hosepipe bans restrict water use.
Buying a water butt now allows you to be prepared for future dry spells and restrictions. Since climate changes are leading to hotter, drier summers and more frequent bans, investing in a water butt is a long-term, sustainable way to conserve water and manage gardening needs throughout the year.
There are several ways to make the most of your water butt. According to Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, using a saucer on containers can make the most of any water that runs out of the bottom. Placing a flowerpot next to plants can help water sink down to the roots instead of evaporating on the surface.
Steven Bell, an experienced landscaper and founder of Paving Shopper, advises focusing watering efforts on newer plants, vegetables, and visibly stressed plants. He also suggests watering plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
Moreover, Bell recommends applying a generous layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, compost, or grass clippings, around plants to help lock in soil moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce evaporation. Installing multiple water butts can increase rainwater harvesting potential, especially for large roofs or greenhouses. Linking two or more water butts together can dramatically increase rainwater harvesting potential.
In addition to water butts, there are other ways to conserve water during a hosepipe ban. Recycling grey water, such as bath water, is also suggested by Morris. Unused nappies can retain water and be placed in soil around plants during a hosepipe ban or dry spell, as per Morris's advice. During a hosepipe ban, aiming watering cans at plant roots instead of leaves is advised by Steven Bell.
In conclusion, using a water butt to collect rainwater can help reduce the use of mains water for plant hydration, especially during hosepipe bans. Water butts are a long-term investment, according to Steven Bell. By following these tips and practices, you can conserve water, save money, and keep your garden thriving during a hosepipe ban.
[1] Hankinson, M. (2021, May 1). Why a Hosepipe Ban is a Good Time to Buy a Water Butt. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.hopesgrovenurseries.co.uk/blog/why-a-hosepipe-ban-is-a-good-time-to-buy-a-water-butt
[2] Bell, S. (2020, July 1). 10 Ways to Save Water During a Hosepipe Ban. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.pavingshopper.co.uk/10-ways-to-save-water-during-a-hosepipe-ban/
[3] Water UK. (2021). Hosepipe Ban. [Web page]. Retrieved from https://www.water-uk.org/consumers/water-saving/hosepipe-ban
[4] Environment Agency. (2021). Using water wisely. [Web page]. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-water-wisely-for-homes-and-businesses#hosepipe-bans
By investing in a water butt now, you can prepare for future dry spells and hosepipe bans, as suggested by Steven Bell. This long-term, sustainable solution can help reduce the need for mains water in your garden, especially during water restrictions, as mentioned by gardening experts.
Moreover, focusing watering efforts on new plants, vegetables, and visibly stressed plants, watering them early in the morning or late in the evening, applying organic mulch, and recycling grey water are other ways to conserve water and keep your garden thriving during a hosepipe ban.
