Drought-beating gardening tips

Our increasingly dry and mild winters mean our water reserves are at an all-time low, especially in the south east. With many of us now facing a hosepipe ban, it's more important than ever to water wisely. Doing simple things, such as mowing the lawn on a high setting - or not mowing at all - as well as reducing the competition for water in the borders by keeping them weed-free - will all help.

While we have yet to find a long-term solution to the problem, we all need to do our bit to conserve water while at the same time helping our gardens beat the drought. Here are some things you can do to keep your garden looking as good as possible this spring and summer.

• Do not water if rain is forecast. Sounds obvious but a quick check on the weather outlook will not only save water but time too
• Timing - water early in the morning or in the evening when evaporation is minimal
• Don't spray - deliver water to the base of the plant where it's most needed by the roots
• Install a water butt and collect rainwater run-off from shed, house and garage roofs
• Collect and re-use grey water from the bath or kitchen sink and use this to water plants
• When planting a new border, choose plants that are suited to dry conditions. Be aware, however, that all new plantings will still require watering until they become established
• If planting in containers, use a larger pot and mix water-storing granules into the compost to help conserve moisture
• Remember to mulch your borders with a 5-7cm layer of organic matter to help lock in the moisture
• Last but not least, don't water established lawns. They may end up looking like straw but, rest assured, they will return to green once the rain is back