It's easy to feel like watering your garden is funding the local water utility's vacation, especially during those long and dry spells. Yet most gardeners find themselves with hoses blazing and sprinklers running just to keep their garden and even drought-tolerant wildflowers alive.

Luckily for you, keeping your flower garden or meadow thriving is as easy as implementing smart, water-saving strategies. In this article, we're giving you the scoop on the best DIY water conservation tips every smart gardener should follow to keep both their plants and water meters happy.

6 Water Conservation Tips That Garden Experts Swear By

1. Harvest Rainwater

Turning every downpour into free hydration for your drought-resistant flowers, gardens, and meadows doesn't require digging into your driveway to install plumbing or expensive tanks. Grabbing an old bucket or barrel will do the trick. The best part of this water conservation tip is that rainwater is naturally soft and chemical-free, making it perfect for watering your garden.

Here's how to do it right:

Step 1: Put the barrels in place

Start this water conservation tip by placing your barrels or large containers right beneath the downspouts to make it easy to catch runoff from your roof.

Step 2: Store it right

With stagnant water comes a swarm of mosquitoes, leaves and other debris. So, keep your large containers covered to prevent it from happening.

Step 3: Water your plants

Use a watering can to deliver your stored water to your plants, or simply connect a tap to the bottom of your container and use a hose to get the job done.

2. Create a DIY Irrigation System

A good irrigation setup makes all the difference, and you don't need a professional to install one. This water-saving tip requires a bit of planning and a little elbow grease to give your plants a measured dose of hydration without the wastage.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Lay the pipework

Start by grabbing a saker hose from your nearest hardware store, garden centre or online marketplace. You can also make your own by poking small holes every 15 to 20 cm along a regular garden hose.

Step 2: Position the hose

Weave the hose or pipe along your flowerbeds, keeping it close to the base of your plants to ensure the water goes straight to the roots where it's actually needed.

Step 3: Connect to a water source

Attach your hose or perforated pipe to a tap, rainwater barrel or tank. To make life even easier, simply connect your DIY irrigation setup to a timer to put watering on autopilot. You can also connect a pressure regulator to even out the water flow.

3. Use Olla Pots for Deep Root Watering

Moving with the times is great, but even ancient irrigation methods like the olla pots can be the best water-saving tip for gardens to ensure your plants get the water they need. Olla pots were specifically designed to slowly release water directly into the soil, ensuring it goes straight to the roots without landing on leaves or evaporating along the way. 

How it works:

Step 1: Choose your olla pot

Follow this water conservation tip by simply buying a ready-made olla pot. Do keep in mind that a larger pot doesn't need to be refilled often, so if you've got the space for it, you might want to go big. 

Step 2: Prepare a spot

Dig a hole in your garden bed so the body of your olla is buried while leaving only the neck or top rim showing above the soil. If your garden has dense soil, install your ollas close together for this water conservation method to work. 

Step 3: Fill your pot

Pour water into your olla until it's full and cover the opening with a lid, rock, or saucer to keep dirt, debris and mosquitoes out. 

4. Mulch Your Garden

The next water-saving tip for gardens is mulching. The simple process creates a natural barrier in your garden that locks in moisture, keeps your plant roots cool, suppresses weeds and gives your garden a lush, well-kept look, even when the heat is unbearable. We recommend organic sugarcane mulch because it feeds your soil as it breaks down, retaining water for longer. 

How to mulch your garden:

Step 1: Prep the soil

For this water conservation tip, start by watering your soil well before laying that mulch down to lock in existing moisture. Don't forget to pull out any weeds to prevent them from hiding under the mulch. 

Step 2: Lay it on

Spread a 5-7cm layer of mulch evenly around your plants. If you've got larger shrubs or garden beds, you can go up to 10cm. Be sure to keep the mulch at least a few centimetres away from the plant stems or tree trunks, as piling too close can cause rot. 

Step 3: Maintain it

Once it's laid, maintain it by giving it a top-up every 3-4 months or when you notice that it's thinning or breaking down or rake it back into place when it shifts after strong winds and heavy rain.

5. Create DIY Terracotta Watering Spikes

These slow-release spikes are great for watering pots, planters and small garden spaces, saving you lots of time and water. The best part? They deliver water straight to the roots and cut down watering frequency by up to 50%, making this water conservation tip perfect for the gardener who travels often or simply forgets to water their pots or garden from time to time. 

How to set them up? 

Step 1: Set up your spike or DIY pot

Use store-bought terracotta spikes or make your own with small unglazed pots. Seal the pot's drainage hole with waterproof adhesive and bury near your plant's roots, leaving the rim exposed. 

Step 2: Add water

Fill a wine or plastic bottle with water and insert it into the spike, or simply pour water directly into your buried pot. Cover the opening with a saucer or stone to keep out dirt and bugs.

Step 3: Refill when needed

The terracotta slowly releases water as the soil dries, keeping roots perfectly hydrated. Check every few days and refill when half empty — that's it. 

6. Water Your Garden Early in the Morning

You might think sprinklers in the middle of the afternoon are doing the job, but in reality, most of that water is evaporating before it even reaches the roots. The trick? Simply water your garden early in the morning, and you'll be surprised by how much difference this simple water-saving tip makes for your garden. 

Why Morning Watering Works

• Cooler temperatures and lower winds mean more water actually reaches the soil rather than evaporating. 
• Plants take up water more efficiently in the morning, and hydrated leaves and roots help them handle the heat of the day.
• Morning watering gives foliage a chance to dry during daylight hours, as watering at night keeps soil damp overnight, which encourages fungal growth and rot. 

The Takeaway?

Conserving water doesn't just go easy on your wallet long-term. It also contributes to healthier ecosystems, both in your backyard and the planet at large. Now that you know these water conservation tips for gardens, it's time to consider diversifying your garden collection with our drought-tolerant wildflower seeds. 

Visit our store to discover our drought-tolerant flower seed mixes.