Water Management

Collecting rainwater

Water is the most important element for life on the planet. It is this crucial ingredient that sustains all life on the planet. In this light, it is extremely important for gardeners and farmers to make the utmost use of every little bit of water that is available to them.
Where does one begin to plan for water usage in ones’ garden. The first place to find extra water that is freely available is from where is comes…out of the sky and off the roof. Every gutter that is available should be utilized for collection and/or storage of rainwater. If there is enough space, a water collection tank should be put in place. If not, a pit can be dug to collect the rainwater into. This allows for the water to infiltrate the ground. Trees, bushes and shrubs can be planted around this pit and be maintained with the runoff from the roof. If you have a thatched roof it is inadvisable to collect rainwater for drinking purposes.

Making a mini pond – efficient water usage

The pit can be turned into a pond quiet easily. Line the pit with plastic, and put some decorative stones around the top to hold the plastic down. Allow the rainwater to fill it up and you have an instant pond. You can plant reeds and aquatic plants into the pond. The pond will attract insects and small animals of all kinds. Frogs and birds are certainly a welcome addition to the garden, as they provide free pest protection.

Swales for water collection

You can implement a swale to help with the collection of rainwater. A swale is a trench that is dug on the contour. A swale will carry the water along it allowing for infiltration. This way you can water large sections of your garden, without having to use municipal water. Placing a pond or pit at the end of the swale is recommended. You can use a leveling device such as an a-frame or water level to work out how the contour runs.
Keep your swale covered by plants and mulch. Generally it is advisable to keep all soil covered by plants and mulch. This saves water from evaporating as well as keeping the weeding to a minimum. Lining pathways with stones, pebbles or mulch will ensure that no water can be wasted.

So remember to soak up all the water that nature provides and reap the benefits of a really beautiful productive garden.