Watering in a Drought & Hosepipe Bans

Practice

During a drought, use every litre where it has the greatest value. Prioritise containers, recently planted trees and shrubs, food crops and plants showing genuine stress. Established lawns can usually be allowed to turn brown and will recover when rain returns. Follow any hosepipe ban or temporary use ban issued by your water company.

How it works

Water early in the morning or evening, applying water slowly to the soil at plant bases so it reaches roots. Give priority plants deep, occasional soakings and add mulch to hold moisture in place. Collect rainwater in water butts and use it carefully with a watering can. Clean, lightly used greywater may be suitable for ornamental plants, but avoid using it on edible crops. Do not assume exemptions: check current guidance from your water company or the RHS, especially during a temporary use ban.

Best for

This approach is for every garden and allotment during prolonged dry weather, but matters most where water is scarce or restrictions apply. It protects plants with limited roots or high value, including pots, new planting, greenhouse crops and vegetables. It is not a reason to keep lawns lush, wash paving or water established drought-tolerant borders routinely.

Tips

Stop water from escaping by weeding, mulching and repairing leaks. Group pots in shade where appropriate and move hanging baskets out of drying wind. Use a watering can if hosepipe use is restricted, subject to your water company's rules. Reuse suitable clean greywater only on ornamentals, and never store it for long.