Yarra Valley Water tips for summer-smart gardens

Yarra Valley Water has published a range of proven water smart ideas to help gardens survive the summer scorch, with gardens across Melbourne getting thirsty or struggling to survive.

Tiffany White, Yarra Valley Water’s General Manager Strategy and Community, says people can make simple changes to protect their gardens from the heat and longer days, and save water at the same time. 

“In summer we often see gardens and lawns looking parched and heat stressed, but our team at Yarra Valley Water has some smart ways to reduce overall water demand, help gardens thrive and follow Victoria’s permanent water saving rules,” Ms White said. 

“The recent hot weather is a reminder of how important it is to be water smart. This can include mulching garden beds to reduce evaporation and keep plants cooler, selecting climate resilient plants that need less water and attract native birds and insects, or changing watering and mowing habits,” she said. 

Gardening remains a popular pastime and with longer days, this season is a good time for garden projects like building a self-watering wicking bed for plants, vegetables and herbs.  Wicking beds are raised garden beds that store water for roots to use from below, rather than from the soil surface. This saves up to 80% in water use compared to other garden beds according to the Water Conservancy. 

“When it comes to lawns, summer can be a tricky season to navigate. Raising the height of your mower will help keep the soil cool and retain moisture, and watering more deeply and less frequently in the early morning or late evening will also pay dividends,” Ms White said. 

Yarra Valley Water’s water-wise gardening tips to help you conserve water and follow Victoria’s permanent water saving rules include: 

• Water your garden with a leak free hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
• Water early in the morning or evening, and mulch your garden beds, to reduce evaporation and retain water. 
• Water your garden deeply once or twice a week rather than a little more often. 
• Sweep driveways, paving and paths instead of using the hose. 
• Use a bucket to collect wasted water from washing your veggies or in the shower and use this water to water your plants. 
• Consider installing wicking beds, a rainwater tank or a timed watering system. 
• Don’t assume your garden needs watering, feel the soil or use a moisture meter. 
• Water plants at the roots, not the foliage where water can be lost to evaporation. 
• Don’t cut off burnt foliage in the heat as you expose the fresh leaves to sun and heat. 
• Choose native or climate resilient plants which are more drought tolerant and naturally adapted to thrive with minimal watering – you will find a list on Yarra Valley Water’s website. 

For more water smart garden ideas – visit Yarra Valley Water’s website for a host of tips for the garden and outdoors at yvw.com.au/save-water-outdoors

For more information about Victoria’s permanent water saving rules visit www.water.vic.gov.au/for-households/water-restrictions-and-rules