Have you ever considered how much precious water we use to keep our gardens looking green and beautiful? There are several ways in which you can reduce your levels of irrigation and other water usage throughout the summer months. Some alternatives may require a garden water pump to boost water pressure or to circulate it efficiently.
Irrigating
Don’t apply water during the heat of the day, as over 30% may be lost to evaporation. It is best to apply water from 6am to 10am, as this ensures that it has time to infiltrate down through the soil layers to be stored at a safe depth rather than being drawn back up and into the atmosphere. Watering at night can result in the growth of mildew and fungi on your lawn or plants, so it should be avoided.
Don’t over-water your lawn or garden, as this can result in disease. Furthermore, run-off can carry pesticides and fertilizer into nearby streams, where it can cause serious environmental damage. How do you know how much you have watered? Place a rain gauge to measure the amount of water falling from your sprinklers. On average, and depending on the grass variety, you should be applying about 1.3 cm of water twice a week. You can check the uniformity of your sprinklers by placing tins such as empty tuna cans around your laws to see that your sprinklers are doing their job properly.
Watering infrequently but deeply will encourage root growth so that plants will become stronger and are able to tap into water within the soil when there are dry periods. Don’t worry too much about your lawn, as if it is under-watered, such as during a drought, it can go into a state of dormancy for periods of up to two months, depending on the grass variety. So if your lawn isn’t heavily used by children or animals, it will do no harm to leave it without water for a while.
Don’t water the street! Check that your sprinklers and hoses are putting the water where it is needed most and not on the neighbour’s garden.
Garden water pumps
Try using rain barrels to capture water either directly or through the gutters of the house or greenhouse roof. Water can then be stored till needed, and with a small garden water pump you can hook the water up to your irrigation system. With your own pump you can then apply the right volume of water to the specific part of the garden that you need.
Garden Care
Raise your mower blades before you mow the lawn to leave a depth of grass that can easily compete with weeds and moss. In the flower-beds, minimize weeds, as both of these reduce soil water content.
Ponds
Pond pumps will move water around your pond, which prevents the build-up of harmful bacteria. Healthy water will attract wildlife to your garden without your having to empty your pond on a regular basis. Ponds that contain fish need to have the water aerated, and a well-fitted pumping system will prevent the need to regularly empty your fish pond.
Pump Sales Direct can supply various types of garden water pump. Find out what type of garden pump is right for you.
