This summer, one of our newsletter subscribers asked us an interesting question:
how do vegetable gardens, including self-harvest gardens, manage their water use?
As clean drinking water is becoming increasingly scarce in the Netherlands, it is important to take a closer look at how we use our water. Gardens may have the option of drawing water from nearby ditches, but what can we do to reduce our personal water consumption? And how can we water our plants in the most responsible way possible? You can read more about it in this article.
Collect rainwater
One of the simplest ways to save water is to collect rainwater. Connect a rain barrel to your downpipe and, after a good rain shower, you will already have a surprising amount of water available for your plants.
If you have limited space, there are special rain barrels designed for smaller gardens. These often come in a rectangular shape and are available in many different sizes. They allow you to make efficient use of your space while collecting and storing rainwater. Simply putting a bucket outside when rain is expected can also help, although this is a less permanent solution.
Water your plants at the right time
The time of day when you water your plants also makes a difference. Preferably, water them early in the morning or at the end of the day. During the daytime, some of the water evaporates quickly when exposed to the sun. This means the plants have less opportunity to absorb it, and you may need to water them more often. It is also important to water as close to the roots as possible. This helps the water reach the roots directly and makes sure as little water as possible is lost.
Finally, it is better to water thoroughly once than to give your plants a little water every day. This allows the water to penetrate deeper into the soil and encourages the roots to grow deeper as well. This creates stronger plants that are better able to withstand dry periods. Plants in pots are a little different. First check whether the soil feels dry, and then give the plant enough water.
See if you can reuse water
Water that you have used without adding cleaning products can often be reused in the garden or for plants on your balcony. For example, wash your vegetables in a separate bowl. Instead of pouring this water down the drain, you can use it to water your plants. The same goes for water you have used to rinse a watering can or a tea thermos. It can often be put to good use in the garden. By paying a little more attention to the water you use, you can save quite a lot.
Enrich the soul
Healthy soil is better at retaining water. That is why it is a good idea to enrich the soil for your plants. Compost and organic materials such as leaves and grass clippings provide additional nutrients and help protect the soil from drying out. This means you do not need to water as often, while also supporting the biodiversity in the soil.
Choose plants that suit their surroundings
Some plants need a lot of water, while others can cope perfectly well with dry periods. By choosing plants that suit the conditions in your garden, balcony or vegetable patch, you won’t need to reach for the watering can as often. So before buying new plants, take a look at the amount of sunlight, the type of soil and how much rain the location receives. And while we are giving advice on choosing new plants: buy organic. This helps prevent pesticides from harming biodiversity in your garden or on your balcony.
Did you know…
- People in the Netherlands use an average of 118 litres of drinking water per person per day?
In Belgium, the average is 103 litres, and in Denmark it is 104 litres. - Taking a shower uses around 6 to 10 litres of tap water per minute?
Try using a water-saving showerhead and taking slightly shorter showers. Even one minute can make a big difference! - Washing your clothes uses around 45 to 60 litres of water per load?
Consider whether your clothes really need to be washed every time, and use the eco programme on your washing machine.
Use water mindfully
Saving water starts, like many things, with being aware of what you are doing. By collecting water, reusing it and paying close attention to how much water your plants actually need, you can save a considerable amount of drinking water. What is your best tip for using less water?