When summer heat hits, keeping your lawn and garden green and healthy can feel like a challenge. But with smart watering strategies, you can maintain lush greenery without wasting water or constantly running the hose.
Why Smart Watering Matters
- Avoid water waste — Watering at the wrong time or in the wrong way can mean most of the water evaporates before reaching roots. Smart watering helps water go where it counts: into the soil where roots can absorb it.
- Promote deep root growth — By watering less frequently but more thoroughly, you encourage roots to grow deeper, helping plants endure heat and dry spells better.
- Conserve resources — With increasing water restrictions during hot seasons, using water wisely ensures your garden thrives without penalty or overuse.
Smart Watering Tips & Best Practices
- Water at the Right Time: Early Morning (or Late Afternoon)
The best time to water is early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimal. This gives water time to soak into the soil before the heat of the day. If morning isn’t possible, late afternoon (once the heat begins to ease) can work but evening watering should be avoided, because damp soil overnight encourages lawn or plant diseases.
- Water Deeply but Less Often
Instead of sprinkling water every day, aim for deeper watering sessions less frequently. Deep watering ensures moisture reaches deeper roots which helps plants stay strong and resilient during heatwaves or dry periods. If you notice runoff (water just flows off instead of soaking in), consider breaking the watering session into shorter intervals to let soil absorb water effectively.
- Group Plants by Water Needs & Use Efficient Irrigation Methods
Not every plant or area of your garden needs the same amount of water. By grouping plants with similar water needs together, you can water more precisely so drought-tolerant plants aren’t overwatered, and water-loving plants get enough hydration.
For efficiency, consider using drip irrigation or zone-specific sprinklers rather than a one-size-fits-all sprinkler system. These methods deliver water directly to soil/roots, reducing waste from evaporation or runoff.
- Use Mulch to Retain Soil Moisture
Adding a layer of mulch around plants and garden beds helps keep the soil cooler and reduces evaporation. Mulch also suppresses weeds and adds organic nutrients as it breaks down giving your garden a moisture and nutrient boost.
Sustainable Water Supply: Consider Bore Water for Irrigation
If your area experiences water restrictions or drought, tapping into groundwater via a bore (borehole) can provide a reliable and sustainable supply for irrigation.
Here’s how bore-water systems support smart watering:
- Once installed properly with casing, pump and filtration, a bore can deliver consistent water even when surface water is limited.
- Using bore water for lawns and gardens reduces dependence on municipal water particularly useful in dry seasons or during water restrictions.
- With responsible maintenance (pump check, water quality testing, clean borehead, sealing) a bore system can last long, delivering a dependable water source for irrigation needs.
If you’re in a rural or semi-rural area and relying heavily on irrigation, a bore installation may be especially cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Planning Your Summer Watering: A Sample Routine
Here’s a simple routine to follow during hot summer months:
- Water early morning, 1–2 times per week (depending on rainfall, soil type and plant needs).
- Water deeply long enough so moisture reaches root zone.
- Group plants by water needs. Irrigate separately for water-hungry species and drought-tolerant ones.
- Use much around garden beds and plants to reduce evaporation.
- Consider drip irrigation or a zone-based sprinkler system if manual watering isn’t efficient.
- If you rely on consistent watering (e.g. large lawn, many plants), consider installing a bore for a sustainable supply especially useful in areas with restricted mains water or during dry seasons.
Smart watering isn’t just about turning on the hose more often. It’s about being strategic; watering at the right time, using the right methods, understanding your plants’ needs, and making the most of your water supply.
By following the tips above and possibly tapping underground water via a bore if appropriate, you can keep your lawn and garden thriving even in the hottest summer months. Less waste, more green and peace of mind.
Keep your operation moving with trusted pump solutions from PPS. From filtration and dewatering to dust suppression and professional pump servicing, our expert team helps you minimise downtime, stay compliant, and protect your equipment investment.
Call our team today or visit ppsnq.com.au
