Get your garden water efficient in time for summer

Saving water hasn’t beeen an issue during the recent epic downpours, but with July just around the corner we’ve got our fingers crossed for a sunny spell.

For green-fingered residents, this means increased water efficiency - and we’ve got all the expert wisdom required to see you through the drier months.

Stephanie Hurry, Affinity Waters’s Water Saving Squad manager, said: “As an example, large containers and raised beds need less frequent watering than small pots.

“If you place smaller pots into large containers or group them together, then this will help with humidity and slow down evaporation. This change will really help your plants survive very hot summer days.”

Affinity Water also recommend the following:

*Set your lawnmower blade high and cut the grass slightly longer during dry period’s to allow the dew to be trapped and reduce evaporation

*Choose drought resistant bedding plants such as Alyssum, Geraniums, French and African Marigolds and Petunias or plant perennials such as Aquilegia, Campanula or Heuchera

*Group vegetables by their water needs. Asparagus, beetroot and other root crops are the most drought tolerant

*When watering your garden, try and use a watering can filled from a water butt. It is a great way to make the most of rain water and using one will also save you money if you are a metered customer

*Bury a short length of pipe into your pot; if you water into the tube the water goes directly to the roots where the plant needs it most

*Water your pots and hanging baskets either early in the morning or during the evening to reduce evaporation in the midday sun

*Apply organic mulch around plants and on borders to conserve water by reducing surface evaporation and weed.

*Mix water retaining crystals in planting compost as it will help to keep the soil moist. Consider buying plastic pots with water reservoirs that store water.