When water becomes precious, we gardeners need to get creative. Hosepipe bans might sound daunting, but with a little thoughtful watering (and the right tools), you can keep your garden growing happily through a summer dry spell.
Here are a few simple, water-wise tips to help you navigate a hosepipe ban with ease, wasting less, while still giving your plants the liquid love they need and deserve.
1. Hosepipe ban? Turn to your can!
While hosepipes are off the table, the good news is that watering cans are still very much allowed. In fact, we’d say they’re about to become your garden’s best friend.
Using a watering can encourages slower, more considered watering, precisely where it’s needed. Less runoff, less waste. Just satisfying pour after satisfying pour.
And of course, we know a can or two that would be perfect for the job. Our outdoor cans offer generous capacity (fewer trips to the tap) and are perfectly balanced, making them a pleasure to carry.
2. Reuse what’s already there
Waiting for the tap to get hot? Leftover kettle water? Even your washing-up water can become a secret garden saviour.
Known as greywater, these everyday leftovers would usually go straight down the drain, but they’re typically safe to collect and use on most outdoor plants. Just keep one of our handy jugs or smaller cans on standby in your kitchen or bathroom, ready to capture and reuse every last drop.
Discover the can and jug combo
3. Prioritise like a pro
Not every plant needs pampering. Some are surprisingly drought-tolerant, while others need your attention to stay perky in the heat. Prioritise anything that’s:
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Newly planted – these haven’t yet established a deep root system
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Container-grown – pots and hanging baskets dry out fast, and roots can’t reach for deeper moisture
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In full flower – ornamentals currently in flower like hydrangeas, dahlias, fuchsias and cosmos need regular watering to keep blooming.
Lawns, on the other hand, are tougher than they look. Let them go a bit golden; they’ll bounce back when the rain returns.
In short: if it’s new, young, in a pot, or in full flower, show it some love.
4. Time it right
Water early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce evaporation and give roots the best chance to absorb moisture. You’ll waste less, and your plants will thank you.
Set that alarm, or save it for golden hour.
5. Save every drop
Rainy days might be few and far between, but when they do arrive, make the most of them.
Fitting a water butt to your downpipe gives you a free, ready-made reservoir for the next dry spell, but traditional water butts aren't always easy on the eye.
That’s where our friends at The Dipping Tank Company come in. Their beautifully designed tanks collect rainwater without compromising on style. They’re practical too, because instead of waiting around while your can slowly fills at the tap or a standard butt, you simply dunk your watering can straight in and you’re good to go. No fuss, no waste, no hose.
Beyond the ban...
Even when hosepipe bans lift, it’s worth keeping the good habits going. Water with care, reuse what you can, collect rain, and plant with the seasons in mind. Small changes make a big difference. Your garden will thank you, and so will the planet.
At Haws, we’ve believed in purposeful watering since 1886. Whether you’re facing restrictions or simply want to tread a little lighter, a well-made watering can is the best place to start.
