Water wise way to garden

03/03/2008

Gardeners are being given the chance to get water-wise green fingers this spring.

Essex & Suffolk Water is offering its customers a free water-saving garden pack designed to reduce the amount of water needed for pots and hanging baskets.

Each pack contains a water storing mat and crystals which retain moisture and release it when plants need it.

In the summer months, up to 70% of water used by the average household is sprinkled on to the garden. This amount can be reduced by using water-saving products.

Tom Andrewartha from Essex & Suffolk Water said: “As we operate in one of the driest regions in the UK it is important that we think about the amount of water we use in the garden.

“In the coming months, as spring approaches, many people will be heading out into their gardens and this pack will help people to reduce the amount of water that they use on their pots and hanging baskets.”

The company has 2,000 of the water-wise packs to give away to customers in its Essex and Suffolk supply area.

To claim a free pack call 0845 230 2365 or visit www.watergp.co.uk/esw

Ends

For further information please call Claire Bishop on 01245 212 010.

More water-saving tips for the garden

1. Use a water butt to collect and store your rainwater.
2. Water plants in the evening to retain moisture in the soil
3. A garden sprinkler can use as much water in an hour as a family of four uses in a day - use a   
    watering can instead.      
4. Cut you lawn less frequently in the summer months and leave the grass cuttings on the lawn - it will  return moisture and nutrients to the soil.
5. Apply an organic mulch around plants and on borders to conserve water by reducing evaporation.