Saving water in a crisis

As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer (hopefully), the facility of Amberol’s self-watering planters to help conserve water really comes into its own. This is particularly true in the current crisis when people are required to minimise any form of activity outside the home. One of the most time-consuming horticultural jobs during the summer months is watering plants, and it’s important this year more than ever to reduce the number of times a display needs watering. So, what are some of the ways of ensuring that plants are healthy and well-watered while reducing frequency? Our top tips for keeping plants healthy and well-watered Preparation is the key to success in so many things and horticulture is no different. Working the soil well before planting can help improve the growth of your plants. By preparing the soil in the cooler seasons rather than spring or summer you can reduce the amount of moisture lost by the soil. Enabling good root growth is important. Placing young plants in their growing positions early in the season will allow them to grow stronger, deeper roots when conditions are cooler. This reduces the amount of water required during this crucial stage, as well as ensuring that roots will have driven deeper into the cooler areas of soil where more moisture is retained by the time the weather warms up. Choose your planter carefully. Containers do tend to need more regular watering than flower beds for example. Also, hanging baskets are notorious for needing daily watering in hot weather. By using Amberol’s self-watering planters, you can significantly reduce the number of times that you water displays. In addition, as the plants use water only as and when needed, there is no run-off or wasted water. Even our self-watering hanging baskets need watering no more than once or twice a week in hot weather. Plus, our planters are double-walled to insulate the soil, keeping it cooler in the summer and reducing evaporation. Some plants are better equipped than others to survive and thrive in dry conditions. For example, plants with aromatic leaves contain scented compounds that are believed to cool the foliage as moisture evaporates. Plants with succulent leaves are able to store moisture for longer for dry spells. Other characteristics signify elements of drought resistance such as: hairy leaves long, narrow leaves grey leaves plants with spiky leaves tough, leathery foliage small leaves which have few pores In addition, siting the right plant in the right location can help to ensure healthy growth and reduce water use. Water conservation in action In Bloom And of course, it’s possible to use water from sources other than taps and hosepipes, as demonstrated by one of Amberol’s customers Halstead in Bloom. Located in Essex, one of the UK’s driest regions, the group decided to use their nearby local water source, the River Colne to irrigate their floral displays. With an engineer forming part of the group, Halstead was able to create a solar-powered system to pump water from the river through a series of pipes, with drippers donated by local companies. This water is used for 75 troughs and containers around the river. Find out for yourself Never tried using self-watering planters? Not sure how they work? If you would be interested in finding out more about how using Amberol’s sustainable self-watering planters can help you conserve water and reduce maintenance demands, call 01773 830 930 or email sales@amberol.co.uk.

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