Factsheet: GARDEN PRACTICES
Outdoor water use makes up 18 percent of the amount of water used in the average family home. A portion of this is used for
gardens. During summer, Hamilton’s water use increases over 50 percent primarily due to the watering of gardens and lawns.
One way to use less of the City’s water is by setting up systems that help manage garden water use.
SIMPLE ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO CONSERVE WATER
Repair leaking taps and fittings.
Turn the tap off when you've finished.
Do not leave hoses unattended or unmanaged.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE YOUR GARDEN’S SUCCESS
To do this, first you must understand the factors which influence when
and why you water your garden.
Rainfall, wind and temperature.
Plants climate suitability.
The lay of your land.
Soil make-up and condition.
Plant grouping.
Ground cover.
Watering practices.
ESTABLISHING GARDENS
Visit the Sustainable Backyard at the Hamilton Gardens for
inspiration.
Check the soil and repair or build up where necessary before
planting.
Be aware of the sun, wind, where your garden is exposed or is in shade and put appropriate plants in these areas.
Look at no-dig and raised bed gardens if the site is unsuitable for traditional planting. Raised bed gardens tend to require
more water than conventional gardens because they dry out faster.
Work with the lay of your land. Plant slopes with plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff.
Design your gardens and choose plants to reduce the need for water.
The Hamilton Permaculture Trust put out a handbook called ‘How to grow your own food’. Go to their website to buy a copy or to
register for their workshop programme visit Hamilton Permaculture Trust - Hamilton Permaculture Trust Inc.
PLANTING
Choose plants suited to the site microclimate and geographic climate conditions.
Know your plants, their water requirements, and plant them with plants with similar water needs. Plants that grow naturally
in your area are well-suited to the conditions of your local climate. Similarly, using natives will achieve a low maintenance,
water-efficient garden and encourage native birds.
By grouping your plants into those that have similar water requirements means you can set up a watering system that will
reduce water waste. You can target watering with a trigger head, watering can or irrigation systems suitable for each
grouping.
Remove weeds. Weeds compete with your plants for water and if left unchecked can tower over your plants effectively
shielding out much needed light.
Mulch to prevent evaporation, protect soil from the drying effects of wind and sun, reduce moisture loss up to 70%, keep
soils loose, suppress weed growth, add nutrients, and to reduce time spent watering the garden. Do this by putting 10cm of
organic material such as grass clippings, compost, wood chips, bark, shredded paper, peat or straw around the plants.
GARDEN PRACTICES
WATERING
The most effective way to promote healthy plant growth is to water effectively through target spraying or irrigation. If lawn
watering is necessary ensure it complies with Council’s Summer Water Alert Level restrictions.
SUMMER WATER CONSERVATION ALERT LEVELS
Water Alert Level 1
Sprinkler systems permitted between 6-8am and 6-8pm only.
No restriction on commercial/non-residential properties
Water Alert Level 2
Sprinkler systems permitted between 6-8am and 6-8pm on
alternate days only.
No restriction on commercial/non-residential properties.
Water Alert Level 3
Total ban on domestic sprinklers. Only hand held hosing
permitted.
Restriction on outdoor water use for commercial/non-residential properties.
Water Alert Level 4
Total ban on all external non essential water use.
Restriction on outdoor water use for commercial/non-residential properties.
Over-watering encourages fungus, root rot, rusts, mildew and blackspot.
Learn to tell when your garden needs water. It is okay for the top few centimetres of soil to dry out – this will encourage
your plants to develop deeper roots and be hardier. If your soil is moist 10 centimetres below the surface, you do not need to
water. Check every 4-7 days in dry weather and water only if needed. Wilting leaves and retarded growth indicate that your
plants need water.
If you have a lot of annuals or ferns, use a micro spray system. This will ensure water is absorbed and not wasted.
Water close to the ground at a rate the soil can absorb. Plants take up moisture through their feeder roots and low, slow
watering is the best way to get it there. Watering by hand or a well designed irrigation system is best. A trigger device lets
you stop and start the water flow from your hose instantly and you can direct water where you need it without waste.
Water when it is cool and calm, at dawn or dusk to reduce water loss to evaporation. Early morning is generally better than
dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus and is also the best defense against slugs and other garden pests.
Use captured rainwater.
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Irrigation systems deliver enough water to keep garden healthy, waste little water, are convenient and save time if designed and
managed efficiently. Key aspects of these set ups include a water timer, delivery of water close to soil and moisture sensors. If
you have more than one garden, invest in several soaker hoses and set them up permanently so you do not have to lug them
from garden to garden.
A stand alone sprinkler can use up to 800 litres an hour and is probably the least efficient way of watering the lawn. Sometimes
sprinklers can overshoot their desired area and will end up watering the footpath. Additionally, you tend to waste some water
because the water shoots up high enough so that some of it has an opportunity to evaporate before hitting your lawn. If you
must use a sprinkler, fit a timer set to 30 minutes to reduce water waste because sprinklers are easily forgotten.
Go to Hamilton City Councils webpage on simple water saving measures: Smart Water Use simple water saving measures,
Hamilton City Council & Hamilton, New Zealand - City Services