Conserving water
To make the most of water it pays to use it economically. Learn how you can link watering the school garden to wider environmental issues.
Learning objectives:
- Describe why saving water is important for the environment
- Learn how to collect rainwater using water butts
- Practice watering plants efficiently to use less water
- Recognise plants that need less water and grow well in dry conditions
Curriculum links:
- Science: Study the importance of water conservation and its effects on plant growth
- Geography: Understand water management and its environmental significance
- Design & Technology: Explore efficient gardening techniques that reduce water use
- PSHE: Promote awareness of sustainable practices and responsible resource use
Key vocabulary
Top tips
- Only water in the evening or early morning. Evaporation rates are reduced at these times of day
- Water at the base of plants; wetting foliage loses water to evaporation
- Purchase and install a water butt (available from most garden centres or online). They are also a good way to teach children about sustainability
- ‘Grey’ or soapy water which has already been used for bathing or washing can be recycled in the garden
- Add a mulch around the base of plants to reduce evaporation as well as suppressing weeds, for example wood chippings, spent mushroom compost, manure, leaf mould and cocoa shells
- Remove weeds as soon as they show as they suck valuable moisture out of the soil
- To avoid the loss of water to the air, try to avoid digging the soil in summer
- Established plants do not generally need watering in Britain but their growth is usually improved by watering when they are under drought stress. Newly sown or planted areas are vulnerable and their watering needs should be a high priority
- A rain garden offers the opportunity to manage rainwater runoff from hard surfaces after downpours by planting an attractive, low maintenance, wildlife-friendly space
Considering your plant choice
- Pelargoniums and petunias grow better in dry conditions than begonias and fuchsias
- Try to buy plants not yet in flower. Once flowering begins root growth is sacrificed to flower production and without watering plants will wither
- Go easy on hanging baskets and small pots in summer. Large containers require less frequent watering
- Use drought tolerant plants from areas with low rainfall such as South Africa