How much water does your garden need?
Many people struggle to know how much water their garden really needs.
Do you water for 20 minutes, 40 minutes, or more? How many days per week? What type of sprinklers should you use? And do you know if they’re applying the right amount of pressure?
If your garden has a mix of native and exotic plants, it can get even trickier. How much water does each plant type need to survive and thrive?
It can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of observation and a little help from technology, you’ll keep your garden looking healthy and happy all year round.
Follow our simple tips to find the right balance.
Follow the 3, 2, 1 watering guide
As a rule, most plants need around 30mm of water each week to stay healthy.
Native plants often need less - about 30mm every two weeks, which is why they’re so wonderfully water-efficient.
When setting up your irrigation schedule, think about what types of plants you’re watering and follow the 3, 2, 1 Guide. It helps plants grow deeper roots, giving them better access to water and nutrients.
- Water lawns three times a week.
- Water garden beds and exotics twice a week.
- Water native plants once a week or less.
Every garden’s different, so use this as a starting point and adjust to suit your plants and conditions.
Timing is everything
Water after 8pm and before 6am to reduce evaporation and make sure your plants get the most out of every drop.
Use an automated irrigation system
An automated system saves time and money by letting you easily control how much and how often your garden is watered.
Consider getting an irrigation expert to install or upgrade your system. They’ll know the latest materials, technology and local advice.
Get smart with technology
Smart irrigation controllers automatically adjust your watering based on local weather data.
You can program them to suit your garden, and as the weather changes, the controller updates to deliver the right amount of water. No more guesswork.
When plants are young
Young plants need more frequent watering while they establish deep, strong roots.
Once those roots are developed, your plants will be much more resilient during the long hot months.
Adjust for the seasons
To achieve maximum savings, it’s important that you use appropriate and efficient irrigation and ensure your water timers are adjusted for each season. Wherever you live, keep an eye on your plants. If they start to wilt, give them an extra drink.
When the rain kicks in, turn off your irrigation and let nature do the watering. This saves time, water and money.
Can you overwater? Absolutely.
Too much water can suffocate your plants. Roots need air to breathe, and when soil stays saturated, they can’t take in oxygen.
Here are some signs your plants might be getting too much water:
- Lower leaves turning yellow
- Wilted appearance, even when soil is wet
- Rotting or stunted roots
- Lack of new growth
- Young leaves turning brown
- Green film (algae) forming on the soil surface
Did you know?
Smart watering in an a average garden will save the equivalent to 310 hours under the shower over a year.
