Plants are a crucial resource for the environment, playing a key role in stabilizing the ecosystem. Not only do they release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, they also provide wildlife with habitats, create shade, and lay an important role in the water cycle.Plants help reduce stress, purify the air and are important during all climate conditions – especially during times of drought. While reducing water usage is important, there are still ways to maintain your garden. Here’s how:

1. Water Early

Watering plants earlier in the morning (before 7am) will reduce evaporation in the heat of the day and give plants the most benefits throughout the day.

2. Be Efficient

When watering with a bucket or watering can (before 10am or after 4pm), make sure you water directly on the root zone at the stem of the plant. It’s also important to water plants deeply and less often as it helps strengthen water uptake and teaches plants to expect less water.

3. Avoid Watering Foliage

Watering a plant’s root zone instead of its foliage not only helps reduce the evaporation of water, it also helps prevent pests and diseases.

4. Install Drip Irrigation & A Timer Tap

Installing a timer tap on your drip-irrigation system will ensure efficient watering at designated times – meaning no wasted water (or money) and consistent watering for healthy plants.

5. Add A Health Tonic For Plants

Adding a seaweed solution to your watering can or bucket will help plants retain water and keep them hydrated for longer. As a guide, you’ll need to use about a capful (20 to 30 millilitres) of seaweed solution for every nine litres of water.

6. Keep Water In The Soil

Once your soil is nice and moist, the key is to keep that moisture in the root zone where your plants need it. Water crystals expand to hundreds of times their size when they come in contact with water, forming a water-holding gel that will help your plants withstand dry periods. Once you’ve applied the water crystals to your garden, they will last several years before they biodegrade.

7. Lay Mulch

Mulching is an essential step for any garden – not only does it finish everything off visually, it’s vital for keeping your soil moist and cool. Mulch will help your garden get the most out of every drop of water, with natural wetting agents providing increased holding capacity.

8. Choose Drought-Resistant Plants

Selecting plants that can thrive with limited water is a huge benefit. Here at Hurst Homes our clients have a one on one meeting with our experienced landscaper out on site to design their perfect garden. As an experienced Wagga Wagga builder we assist you through selecting all aspects of your home, including plants that are suited to Wagga’s harsh climate. Just another reason why we are considered Wagga’s Best Builder. Click here to inquire about building your dream home today! 

For more tips from the Houzz experts visit Houzz.com.au