How to save water in the garden?

Every day, a French person consumes 150 liters of drinking water but only drinks 1%. Part of this drinking water is used in the garden, to water plants who would simply be satisfied with fresh water. So, how to save water in the garden?

A garden that takes water needs into account

A well thought-out garden to save water is first and foremost a reflection on the planting of plants to better reduce theimpact of gardeningon the environment. First step, the choice of species. In nature, each plant is adapted to the characteristics of its environment, including the availability of water. The same logic can be applied to the garden by choosing plants adapted to drought in places where water is a problem, while more humid places will welcome more demanding plants.

In the case of a vegetable garden, where the assembly of plants does not follow an aesthetic rule but rather a practical one, it is possible to gather the species according to their water needs. This makes it possible to rationalize watering so that the plants get the most out of the water according to their needs. For example, water-hungry plants can be grouped together in a square that will be watered daily, while the water-saving plant square will only be watered weekly.

A plantation that optimizes water resources

Second step, the actual planting. A deep hole filled with earth loosened and compost or compost rich in nutrients will promote the growth of roots in depth, which will ensure theautonomy of the plant to water. On the surface, an earthen basin around the plant, consisting of a hollow surrounded by a small embankment, will keep the irrigation water as close as possible to the plant.

The height of refinement, a bottle turned upside down and sunk in the ground will allow you to water directly at the level of the roots. The use of a porous terracotta container will also have the advantage of spreading the irrigation water gradually.

Once planted, several techniques limit water consumption without depriving the plants. the hoeing first of all, who breaks the crust of surface soil and loosened the soil. This tillage facilitates the penetration of water and limits evaporation by reducing the rise of water by capillarity. It is for this reason that gardeners say that ” one hoe is worth two waterings“.

Then, mulching, i.e. the deposition of organic materials, minerals or even plastics at the foot of the plants, will prevent the surface crust from reforming. In addition, this mulch will protect the soil from the rays of the sun and reduce evaporation, but also absorb dew and rainwater. Mulching has other benefits, such as protect plants from frost.

Water with reason

Finally, the watering itself. The first waterings of a new plant are crucial. They must first of all help him to fight against the water stress planting, then promote vertical root growth, which anchors the plant in the ground and provides it with access to water reserves, and not horizontal. It is therefore necessary to water often after planting, then abundantly but spaced out over time.

Subsequently, watering should be done according to the weather report, to avoid doing it unnecessarily before a rain, and preferably in the evening or in the morning, to limit losses by evaporation. Note that drip irrigation is more economical than sprinkler irrigation, which is more effective than flood irrigation.

Finally, the last element to reduce the consumption of drinking water, the rainwater harvesting. A rainwater collection and storage system in a cistern provides free water for the garden. This water will advantageously replace that which has undergone numerous purification treatments, useless for the plants, before reaching the tap. This system can be a simple barrel under a descent of gutteror be a more elaborate installation, with cistern, pump and dedicated network.