The humble watering can might be the first thing that springs to mind when you hear the word ‘gardening’. Tending to our plants and giving them a drink is a very pleasant way to while away a summer evening. However there are a number of ways that we can reduce our reliance on watering while still having a very healthy vegetable garden.
There is a finite amount of water in the world that is constantly being recycled. As gardeners we can be conscious of the amount of water that we are using, and employ efficient irrigation methods that minimise wastage.
The term ‘water wise gardening’ is commonly used in areas of the world that experience long periods of drought or low rainfall. The practice involves optimising your garden’s ability to cope with dry conditions or hosepipe bans, and minimising water loss or wastage.
These techniques may well become more important in Irish or UK gardens as weather patterns change, with warmer and drier summers more likely in the near future.
A healthy garden soil will be better able to hold on to moisture and make it available to plant roots for longer periods. Adding plenty of organic matter such as well-rotted compost, leaf mould, or manure to your soil will improve water retention and drainage.
Adding a layer of mulch on the soil surface can reduce evaporation in hot weather, as well as regulating the soil temperature around plant roots. If the mulch is organic (e.g. bark mulch, shredded leaves, compost) it will gradually decompose and further enrich the soil in the process. Materials like bark or straw are very effective at absorbing moisture and releasing it back into the soil as needed.
Drip irrigation has been estimated to use up to 70% less water than manual irrigation (i.e. watering with a hose or can). A drip irrigation system delivers moisture directly to the root zone of your plants, maximising efficiency. This kind of system is simple enough to set up and consists of supply pipes and dripper pipes; the latter have small emitters spaced along their length. It is also designed to be used in conjunction with a water timer.
Similarly, a soaker hose is a porous hose or tube that sits directly on the soil surface and slowly ‘leaks’, reducing evaporation and runoff. It is best used along a row of vegetables, as it isn’t spaced out in the way that a dripper pipe is.
Some other water-saving methods include capillary matting. This is where pots or containers are placed atop a mat made from an absorbent material such as felt. The mat draws water up from a reservoir, pulling more water as the soil dries out. It ensures a steady, consistent level of moisture for seedlings and young plants. Similarly, some patio planters will come with a ‘self-watering’ reservoir allowing plants to be watered from below, encouraging healthy root development.
Rainwater is an often untapped resource that can have great benefits for the vegetable garden. A lot of plants are known to prefer rainwater to tap water; this is partly due to its mild acidity and lower mineral content.
A surprising amount of water can be harvested from your average rooftop, particularly in rainy Ireland. Water butts or rainwater collection tanks can be easily connected to existing guttering systems to capture this runoff. Even a small shed roof can yield a significant volume of water over time.
Rainwater harvesting eases the pressure on mains water supplies, reduces drain flooding and serves as a sustainable water source. It also ensures that you will be prepared for the possibility of hosepipe bans during dry weather spells, and can keep watering your vegetable garden without interruption.
Water butts can be decorative or more functional in appearance; some are unobtrusive and fit seamlessly into your garden decor, others have antique urn-like designs and can double as planters.
Sunny Growing Tunnel: This innovative tunnel cloche creates a warm and humid microclimate which can encourage earlier plant growth. The roof of the tunnel has moulded recesses which collect rainwater and deliver it gently to the crops below (in heavy rain conditions, the design causes excess water to drain off to the outside). You can also hand water the plants from above without having to remove the cloche. The Sunny Tunnels can be combined and connected to create a longer tunnel. End caps and fixing clips protect your crops from slugs and other critters.
Coir Planter Compost: A sustainable growing medium that is made from peat-free coconut husk fibers and is known for its excellent water retention properties. Coir compost helps soil to stay moist for longer, reducing watering frequency while promoting healthy root growth.
Water Waiters: Self-watering stakes that gradually release water into the soil, keeping your plants hydrated without daily watering.
Garland Self Watering Seed Success Kit: An efficient propagation system designed to reduce overwatering while nurturing strong, healthy seedlings. Its built-in reservoir and capillary matting deliver consistent moisture directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation.
Vigoroot Self‑Watering Fabric Planter: combines breathable fabric, capillary-action irrigation, and a concealed reservoir to promote efficient use of water, ensuring plants take what they need when they need it.