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Summer saving tips

General outdoor

Fit a water butt to collect water from the roof. Rain water is better for many plants and you can also use it for washing the car.
Use a bucket to wash the car in preference to a hose
Always fit your hose with a trigger gun to prevent waste when it is unattended.
Remember if you want to use a sprinkler you must apply for a meter if you haven’t got one.
Don't overfill paddling pools which can waste a lot of water on hot summer days when demand for water is high.
If you have a pond don't overfill it and don’t keep topping it up if it leaks mend it.
If you have a pump and fountain, check the pressure to avoid water blowing out of the pond on a windy day.

Gardening

· To share the load on our distribution system if you need to water your garden, water it on an even date if your house is an even number and similarly if your house number has an odd number water on an odd date.

Lawns

Let grass grow a little longer in hot weather to prevent it drying out.
Raise the cutting height of your lawn mower and cut it long
If the lawn turns brown in dry weather don’t worry it will green up when the rain returns.
Use your grass clippings as a mulch on your lawn or garden to retain the moisture

Water in the evening or on overcast days to prevent evaporation.
Over watering your lawn can weaken it encouraging roots to stay close the surface of the soil

Planting

Use a watering can instead of a hose so you can to water at the ground level so it gets right down to the roots
You can mulch your garden beds giving them a protective layer to keep in the moisture there are various different types you can make your own by composting garden and kitchen waste.

· When preparing hanging baskets or pots add crystal gel to the soil before planting to retain moisture and they will need less watering. Line the baskets with plastic to stop water loss.

Grow plants that require less water succulents such as Sedums, Lavender, Hebes, Periwinkle, Iris, Geraniums, Oriental Poppies, Rosemary, Pheasant Grass, Marigolds, Petunias, Alyssum, Campanula, Heuchera, Aquilegia, Evening Primrose, Buddleia, Rockrose, and Thyme. Plants with silver, blue or grey leaves, spiky or furry soft leaves are generally not so thirsty.

Water Butt and Composter offer

Why use water that has gone through an energy intensive treatment process on the garden? Save money and reduce your carbon footprint by using a water butt in the garden and you could save over 1000 litres of water a year.

Recycle your kitchen and garden waste to produce a nutrient rich compost that not only can improve plant growth but also holds vital moisture in the soil.

Click here to save water and save money