How to Manage a Hosepipe Ban in Your Garden

A hosepipe ban does not mean your garden has to suffer. With a little planning and a few changes to your usual routine, you can keep your plants healthy while using much less mains water.

Hosepipe bans, officially known as Temporary Use Bans, are introduced by water companies when supplies are under pressure. The exact rules and exemptions can vary, so always check the latest guidance from your own water supplier. In most cases, you can still water plants using a watering can or bucket, but you should not use a hosepipe connected to the mains supply.

Start by deciding which plants need water most. Newly planted trees, shrubs, vegetables, containers and young plants should take priority, as their roots may not yet reach moisture deeper in the soil. Established lawns and mature plants are usually much more resilient. Grass may turn brown during a dry spell, but it will often recover naturally once rain returns.

Water slowly and directly at the base of each plant rather than sprinkling water across the whole bed. This helps the moisture reach the roots, where it is needed, and reduces the amount lost through evaporation. A full watering can used carefully is often far more effective than frequent, light watering.

The best time to water is early in the morning, while the soil is still cool. This gives plants time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. Watering later in the evening can also help, although damp foliage left overnight may sometimes encourage slugs or fungal problems. Try to keep the leaves dry and concentrate on the soil.

Adding a layer of mulch is one of the easiest ways to protect your garden during a hosepipe ban. Compost, bark, leaf mould, gravel or well-rotted manure can all help reduce evaporation and keep the soil cooler. Apply mulch over damp soil where possible, leaving a small gap around plant stems.

Make use of any water you can collect or safely reuse. Water butts are ideal for storing rainfall from roofs, sheds and greenhouses. Clean water left over from washing fruit and vegetables can also be used on ornamental plants once it has cooled. Avoid using water that contains bleach, strong cleaning products, disinfectants or large amounts of salt.

Move pots and hanging baskets into lighter shade during the hottest part of the day. Grouping containers together can create a more humid microclimate and slow down moisture loss. Placing saucers beneath pots may also help, but do not leave plants sitting in water for long periods.

Avoid planting large numbers of thirsty new plants while restrictions are in place. Instead, focus on caring for what is already growing. It is also sensible to delay feeding stressed plants, as fertiliser can encourage soft new growth that requires even more water.

Weeding regularly will prevent unwanted plants from competing with your flowers and vegetables for moisture. You can also gently loosen the surface of compacted soil so that water from a watering can can soak in rather than running away.

A hosepipe ban is also a useful opportunity to think about making your garden more drought tolerant in the future. Choose plants suited to your soil and local conditions, improve the ground with organic matter and increase your rainwater storage where space allows.

Every watering can saved helps protect reservoirs, rivers and the wildlife that depends on them. By watering carefully, collecting rainwater and accepting a slightly less-than-perfect lawn, you can keep your garden going while doing your part to reduce demand during dry weather.