In the garden

Become a fan of the can

Your hosepipe or sprinkler can use as much water in an hour as a family of four in a day. So swap your hose for a watering can, and fill it from your water butt to get the benefit of softer water.

Be cool

Water your plants in the cool of the evening or early morning for the best results, as less water will evaporate. Water roots not leaves to give plants the maximum benefit.

Mulch ado about something

Mulches such as pebbles, gravel and chipped bark reduce your workload, as they keep moisture in and weeds out.

Don't hang around

Go easy on hanging baskets and small pots in summer; large containers are easier to keep watered and, plant for plant, use less water. Mix moisture-retaining crystals with your compost to reduce evaporation.

Let it go brown

Longer grass retains moisture better, so don't set your mower too low or mow too often. Watch to see how quickly a brown lawn recovers after rain - your lawn may not need as much watering as you think!

Around we go!

Water around plants, not over them, to reduce evaporation loss. Water less often but give the plants a good soak when you do, to encourage deeper rooting and sturdier plants.

Find out more

The Royal Horticultural Society has information on sustainable gardening, drought-resistant plants, coping with flooding, and saving and using water. See the RHS website.