Although patio plants may be in containers the amount of water they use can still add up to a lot.
There are several steps you can take to reduce the amount of water that you use saving you money and the environment.
Water retaining gel By adding water-retaining gel to the compost in your pots you can keep reduce the watering needs of the plant.
There is some compost that come with water retaining granules already inside for easy of use.
Hanging plants Hanging plants should be standing in a reservoir dish or have one built in.
The reservoir helps distribute the water more evenly throughout the container and prevents it just running off out of the bottom.
Mulch potted plants Potted plants can make good use of mulch as well as flowerbeds.
With a bit of imagination decorative mulch can add color to your potted plants as well as retaining moisture in the soil.
Houseplants There is much that you can do to save water with your houseplants.
Even if you don't have many, correct water management can be a big bonus when you go away on vacation; the plants can take care of themselves.
Capillary matting is a special felt-like surface that draws water from a prepared container.
By placing plants on the capillary matting the roots can draw water up at a steady pace.
Water more, less often Watering potted plants well and then allowing them to dry out is better than frequent, partial, watering.
The roots have time to develop as the soil dries out and are then rewarded with a good watering when it comes.
Many houseplants die from overwatering or because damp soil allows root rot to set in.
Of course, some plants require a moist environment all the time but most will benefit from being allowed to work a little to get their water.
Irrigation systems Irrigation systems are not only for lawns; you can set up an automatic system running from an outdoor faucet.
These systems use hoses with small holes to drip water into pots at specific locations.
Implementing these irrigation equipment can be very water efficient and timed to water plants at the best times of day or night.
Pot size and material The size and material that pots are made out of can affect the way water is absorbed after each watering.
If a pot is too large for a plant then much of the water used goes to waste.
Keep pots at an appropriate size for the plant, as it is now, rather than how big you want it to become.
As the plant grows you should change the pots accordingly.
The material that pots are made of is also an important factor.
Although most people find that earthenware pots are most attractive to look at they are also the most water absorbent stealing precious moisture from your plants that is then evaporates off into the air.
This is particularly problematic during the summer when the pots dry out in the sun.
The best containers are plastic however if you still want the charm of pottery or earthenware pots then make sure they are glazed on the inside.
The glazing presents a waterproof barrier between the soil and the pot and so retains moisture.
If you have an unglazed pot that you like then paint the inside of it to waterproof it.
Just take care to use unleaded paint to protect the plant from absorbing the harmful element.
There are several steps you can take to reduce the amount of water that you use saving you money and the environment.
Water retaining gel By adding water-retaining gel to the compost in your pots you can keep reduce the watering needs of the plant.
There is some compost that come with water retaining granules already inside for easy of use.
Hanging plants Hanging plants should be standing in a reservoir dish or have one built in.
The reservoir helps distribute the water more evenly throughout the container and prevents it just running off out of the bottom.
Mulch potted plants Potted plants can make good use of mulch as well as flowerbeds.
With a bit of imagination decorative mulch can add color to your potted plants as well as retaining moisture in the soil.
Houseplants There is much that you can do to save water with your houseplants.
Even if you don't have many, correct water management can be a big bonus when you go away on vacation; the plants can take care of themselves.
Capillary matting is a special felt-like surface that draws water from a prepared container.
By placing plants on the capillary matting the roots can draw water up at a steady pace.
Water more, less often Watering potted plants well and then allowing them to dry out is better than frequent, partial, watering.
The roots have time to develop as the soil dries out and are then rewarded with a good watering when it comes.
Many houseplants die from overwatering or because damp soil allows root rot to set in.
Of course, some plants require a moist environment all the time but most will benefit from being allowed to work a little to get their water.
Irrigation systems Irrigation systems are not only for lawns; you can set up an automatic system running from an outdoor faucet.
These systems use hoses with small holes to drip water into pots at specific locations.
Implementing these irrigation equipment can be very water efficient and timed to water plants at the best times of day or night.
Pot size and material The size and material that pots are made out of can affect the way water is absorbed after each watering.
If a pot is too large for a plant then much of the water used goes to waste.
Keep pots at an appropriate size for the plant, as it is now, rather than how big you want it to become.
As the plant grows you should change the pots accordingly.
The material that pots are made of is also an important factor.
Although most people find that earthenware pots are most attractive to look at they are also the most water absorbent stealing precious moisture from your plants that is then evaporates off into the air.
This is particularly problematic during the summer when the pots dry out in the sun.
The best containers are plastic however if you still want the charm of pottery or earthenware pots then make sure they are glazed on the inside.
The glazing presents a waterproof barrier between the soil and the pot and so retains moisture.
If you have an unglazed pot that you like then paint the inside of it to waterproof it.
Just take care to use unleaded paint to protect the plant from absorbing the harmful element.