In this topic you learn about water saving regarding the selection of the water source, the watering methods, gardening techniques and site – adapted planting.
Due to climate change, water shortages are occurring in more and more regions. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to use water as efficiently and sparingly as possible.
Saving water in the garden is mainly possible possible through:
- The selection of the water source: Collect rainwater for the irrigation of the plants and the use of greywater (if possible). Gray water is waste water free of faeces that can be used for watering plants by being reprocessed. Gray water is usually cleaned purely mechanically and biologically
- The watering method: Lawn sprinklers or other superficial irrigation methods lead to higher evaporation during irrigation. Fixed drip irrigation systems are more expensive to buy, but they help to reduce water consumption and thus costs. Water as seldom as possible but as often as necessary. Daily watering leads to superficial root growth of the plants and thus lower resilience.
- Through gardening techniques: By working in compost or other soil additives that improve the water storage capacity of the soil – water consumption can be reduced. Please keep in mind that any materials as compost or soil additives can have a bad impact on the CO2 balance if they are not produced regionally.
Mulching (covering the soil’s surface with organic matter) helps keep the soil moist and crumbly. In addition, soil organisms have the opportunity to be active in the upper soil layers and thus support the plants in nutrient uptake. - Site-adapted planting: Each plant is adapted to a specific area of life (soil composition/nutrients, light conditions, temperature, etc.) . If the living area does not match the requirements of the plant, the plant will develop poorly or the framework conditions will have to be improved artificially that means for example that a higher amount of water is needed. Further information in the next chapter.
Source: climate change gardening pack (social farms and gardens)