How to Reduce Water Wastage in the Garden During a Heatwave

July 17, 2026

Water is essential to all plants' survival, but with hotter summers, rising water bills and a recent hosepipe ban. Giving your garden what it needs this year is proving more and more difficult as time goes on.

June 2026 was the second-hottest on record for England, with drought conditions in parts of the UK becoming increasingly likely. Hosepipe bans have been announced in many parts of the UK, the largest area being East Anglia.

It’s important, now more than ever before, that we look to ways we can still provide our plants with the best possible chance to grow and, with any luck, bloom whilst also reducing water usage.

Here are some ways you can still keep your garden healthy and looking beautiful, whilst managing how much water you’re using:

Smarter hosepipe attachments:

During this ban, hosepipes are not allowed, and only watering cans are still permitted, in general, multifunctional hosepipe heads are one of the simplest ways to rethink how much water your plants actually need. A gentle, adjustable fitment lets you cut back on waste while still giving your beds exactly what they're after: a wider spray pattern combined with a softer flow means you can target roots, rather than overwatering everything in reach. It's a small swap that makes a real difference over a long, dry summer.

Check before you water:

During times when water is precious, it's worth checking whether your plants actually need a drink before you reach for the hosepipe. Scrape back a little topsoil and press a finger into the layer beneath. If it still feels moist, your garden will happily go without a soak this time round. And when you do water, stick to the best times of day: early morning or in the evening, when cooler temperatures mean less water evaporates.

Water near the roots:

Instead of flapping your hosepipe or watering can around the top of your plant bed, get closer to the root so the water is directly hitting the soil. This ensures roots are being provided with as much moisture as possible and also prevents your plants from sending roots closer to the surface of your soil. In periods where water may be scarce, newly planted areas are a priority as their roots have not yet developed properly.

Mulching:

An easy win when aiming to minimise water loss is with mulching. Mulch acts like a thick blanket that you cover over your soil to help lock in moisture and slow down evaporation. You can use shredded bark or wood chips, which last longer, take a while to break down, effectively insulate plant roots from temperature extremes, and, of course, retain soil moisture during a dry period. Or you can even use compost, which provides your plants with a ton of nutrients while also helping suppress weeds and, like chipped bark, retain moisture during dry spells.

Water butts and rain gauges:

Water butts are an underrated addition to any garden. They essentially collect water over time without us having to lift a finger. The water collected is pure rainwater, natural, easy to access and most importantly, it’s free! Having a water butt in your garden during dry spells like this is a genuine garden lifesaver. Simply place one under any downpipes you may have, or if it suits, open spaces in your garden to collect as much natural rainwater as possible.

For gardeners and weather watchers alike, a rain gauge is a lovely addition to the garden, and did you know it can double up as your very own mini water butt? Left out in the elements, its main job is to collect and measure rainfall. But once you've taken your reading, don't tip it away. Simply recycle that rainwater to give some of your plants a drink.

CM1016 Professional Manual Rain Gauge

None of these steps needs to be complicated or time-consuming, but together they can make a huge difference to both your garden and your water bill this summer. By working with the weather rather than against it, you can help your plants thrive, whilst doing your bit to conserve one of our most precious resources.

FAQs:

Is it illegal to use a hosepipe during a hosepipe ban?
Yes, during a hosepipe ban you can't use a hosepipe to water your garden, wash your car, or even fill a paddling pool. Watering cans are still allowed for watering your garden.

How often should I water my garden during a hosepipe ban?
Rather than stick to a strict schedule, you should ensure you check your soil before deciding to water. If the soil is still slightly moist, it's best to skip that occasion to help reduce water usage. Adopting methods such as mulching can help retain water, so you will not need to bring the watering can out as regularly.

Do rain gauges actually help save water?
Yes, they can, although not directly; they can be used as a multifunctional weather instrument. Helping you understand exactly how much rain has fallen so you can avoid overwatering, whilst also retaining natural rainwater whilst it measures, so you can water your plants using what has been collected by your rain gauge.

What are the best mulches for retaining water?
Shredded bark, compost, straw and organic materials like grass clippings and leaves. Although selecting the right mulch depends on your garden, growing type and budget. Shredded bark is compact and insulates the soil well; however, materials like grass clippings are free and also do well to hold onto moisture, but must be applied thinly to prevent mould growth.