By Claire Bickle
Water-efficient gardening begins with the soil, the foundation of any thriving garden or landscape, but there is more to it than just compost and mulch.
1. Store water in your soil for water-efficient gardening
Incorporate generous amounts of organic matter to boost water-holding capacity and root health. Rocky Point ActivGrow Soil Improver and Cow Manure Plus Soil Improver will enhance the soil’s ability to retain moisture while fostering healthy root systems.
2. Mulch to reduce evaporation and boost efficiency
Apply a thick 5-7 cm layer of organic mulch to insulate the soil, suppress weeds and dramatically reduce water evaporation. Choose Rocky Point Sugar Cane, Tea Tree, Pine Bark, Lucerne or Cypress mulch. As mulch breaks down it will replenish the soil with essential macronutrients and carbon and feed beneficial microbes and fungi.
3. Choose the right plants for water-efficient gardening
Favour native or drought-tolerant species that are suited to thrive in local conditions. This will ensure that the garden retains its lushness without constant irrigation. Once established, these plants require less water and maintenance, often displaying remarkable resilience in the face of heat and dryness. It is best to group plants by water needs and select drought-tolerant varieties to reduce reliance on supplemental watering. Position thirstier plants in naturally moist or shaded areas, and reserve dry spots for resilient species.
4. Water wisely and promote efficiency
Smart watering practices further strengthen drought resistance. Watering deeply but infrequently encourages roots to seek moisture from deeper within the soil, making plants more self-sufficient. Early morning or late-evening irrigation minimises evaporation and ensures precious water reaches its target. Drip irrigation systems target the root zone and minimise runoff compared with traditional overhead sprinklers.
5. Harvest rain and slow its flow for water-efficient gardening
- Swales and contour dips allow gardeners to make the most of natural rainfall, storing it for use during leaner times. Capturing water in your yard is another powerful way to make the most of every rainfall. Simple techniques, such as creating shallow swales or gentle dips that follow the contour of the land, allow rainwater to slow down, sink in and nourish plant roots rather than running off hard surfaces.
- Rain barrels and tanks on downpipes collect roof runoff, storing it for future use during dry spells.
- Permeable paving and pathways such as gravel, mulch or specially designed bricks let water infiltrate the soil instead of pooling or flowing away. Utilising permeable pathways also improves water efficiency throughout the garden.
6. Put it all together: a water-efficient garden that thrives
Ultimately, a drought-proof garden is the result of deliberate choices, healthy soil, strategic planting and mindful management, all working in harmony. With these measures, gardeners can maintain landscapes that remain attractive and sustainable even when rain is scarce.
For further reading on creating a water-wise garden, check out this guide from Water Corporation: Creating a Waterwise Garden in 5 Steps
