EVERY DROP COUNTS

As we head into the heat of summer, most gardeners’ thoughts are on how best to drought- and heat-proof their gardens and protect their plants. In this article we look at various ways to achieve this using a combination of methods.

We know water is one of the most valuable resources on our planet, but how do we make the most of it when we irrigate and when it does arrive in the form of rainfall? And how do we make it stretch as far as possible in the garden or farm?

STORING WATER IN THE SOIL

With the use of swales and organic matter, you can slow water runoff and store it within your soil instead of letting it run away.

• The key to good water-holding capacity in soil is good levels of organic matter. This can be attended to at planting time and continuously throughout