Toby Buckland’s tips for the garden during the hosepipe ban

Monday, 28 May 2012 4:09 PM

Almost half of all Brits will break the current hosepipe ban with some labeling it ‘pointless’.
According to research from RatedPeople.com, 43 per cent of people will ignore the hosepipe ban completely, which has been put in place to conserve water over summer.
About 36 per cent of this group will break the ban because they want to water their vegetable patch.
A further seven per cent have no regard for the ban saying it is a pointless exercise.
But those who do defy the ban can face fines if reported by neighbours or seen by council workers.

Celebrity gardener Toby Buckland is warning people to stick with the ban and choose alternative methods for watering the garden.
“Don't be tempted to defy the hosepipe ban this summer,” he said.
“Two of the driest winters on record are the reason for the ban and though gardeners haven't caused this water shortage we can be part of the solution.”
Instead of a conventional hosepipe that squirts water out of the end, Toby uses 'leaky hoses' on his own garden that weep moisture on to the soil through the porous walls of the pipe.

He suggests trailing these in a snaked route amongst plants in a border or alongside rows of vegetables.
This will lead to gentle irrigation without wasting water on the leaves of the plant or pavement in the garden area.
Just like a normal hose this leaky irrigation system is plugged onto an outside tap.
Because the flow-rate is so slow most water companies have made them exempt from the ban, but check with your water provider first.

“There is no continuity between suppliers on what systems you can and can't use,” he said. Drip line irrigation
“So always check your water company’s website before spending any money.”
If the company says your leaky irrigation system is not allowed to be used there is another option.
Toby suggests using a drip-line or micro irrigation systems which are both pressure regulated and deliver controlled amounts of water.
He suggests using a Hozelock, pictured, or Gardena system.

“Aside from these, good old fashioned gardening techniques will help your plants to be more self-sufficient,” he said.

For example, when planting or replanting follow Toby’s simple process:

While you dig your hole soak root-balls in a bucket to saturate the compost.
Fork in a few handfuls of soil-improver to the bottom of the hole and fill with water.
When this has soaked away, apply mychorrizal Planting Powder to the roots before setting your plant in the ground.
Water again to settle the soil around the roots then spread a mulch of compost or bark over soil to shade and lock in the precious moisture.

There is only one garden improvement Toby suggests steering away from while the hosepipe ban is in force.
“If you’re planning to turf your lawn and the bans don't get lifted it might be worth waiting until Autumn when the cooler weather and rain arrives,” he said.
For more details about the hosepipe ban, visit the Environment Agency website.