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Please mention BERSTED IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

Watering By Rachel Leverton Balancing Need With Conservation

Keeping our gardens healthy and hydrated can be a challenging task, especially during hot summers or when we’re away from home. The days when gardeners used hosepipes liberally are long gone. An automatic watering system can offer an efficient solution to keeping the garden looking great while not destroying the environment.

Watering systems provide a hands-free approach to watering the garden. They consist of pipes, valves, and sprinklers or drippers strategically placed throughout your garden. They can be connected to a timer and a water source, such as a tap. The timer allows you to set specific watering schedules, ensuring your plants receive water even when you’re not around. This is particularly handy for busy individuals or holiday periods.

Installation requires some basic plumbing skills, but it is quite manageable for most gardeners. The system needs to be connected to a water source, and the pipes, valves, and sprinklers or drippers need to be positioned accordingly. Personally, I prefer drippers to sprinklers as they are less wasteful. Proper planning and layout are crucial to ensure efficient water distribution. There are lots of helpful videos on YouTube offering great advice.

Watering systems can also be used with stored rainwater from a water butt. This makes them even more eco-friendly. If you’re going to do this make sure to use appropriate filtration and pump system to ensure the rainwater is suitable for distribution through the watering system.: Even if you have to use tap water, automatic systems are designed for efficient use. By targeting specific areas and delivering water directly to the plants’ roots, they minimize wastage. Additionally, the use of timers allows for precise scheduling, preventing overwatering, thus further conserving water. Compared to using a hosepipe, which can lead to water runoff and inefficient coverage, automatic systems provide better control use far less water.

Mulching further conserves water by preventing the underlying soil from drying out in warm weather. It creates a protective layer on the soil surface, acting as a barrier to reduce evaporation.

Organic mulch materials include straw, wood chips, bark, leaves, grass clippings, and compost. These materials break down over time, enriching the soil with nutrients while simultaneously retaining moisture. Organic mulch also improves soil structure, promotes beneficial microbial activity, and helps prevent weed growth. It needs to be reapplied as it breaks down.

Inorganic mulch materials such as gravel, stones do not break down and can be very decorative. Its more expensive so better suited to small spaces.

Apply a layer of mulch that is 2-4 inches thick around plants, leaving a gap around the stem or trunk to prevent rotting. Ensure the mulch extends to the drip line of trees and shrubs to cover the entire root zone. When used alongside an automatic drip watering system, mulching goes a long way towards reducing water usage in the garden.

Happy gardening.

At Bersted Jubilee Hall - call us on 01243 842221.

Bersted Parish Council public meetings start at 7pm on a Tuesday.

JULY

Planning - 4 July

Council - 11 July

Community Action - 18 July

August

07961 761185 or www.rawlingsmartialarts.academy

Planning - 1 August

Council - 8 August

Funded by Bersted Parish Council. Summer Play Scheme starts 24 July

For 5 weeks 10am to 12pm at; Bersted Park (Berry Lane) Thursdays Jubilee Field Fridays.

Craft Event Saturday 8 July 10am to 2pm Hosted by Four Seasons Craft Events fourseasonscraftevents@yahoo.com 07799 671514 or 07976 118051

Tea & Coffee Club at Jubilee Hall

Monday 17 July 2—4pm

No Club in August

Parish Litter Pick -Saturdays 11am

Bersted Park - 15 July

Bersted Green 19 August

Look out for posters of where to meet, all welcome to join, equipment will be provided.

Bognor Regis Food Bank

Donate items for the food bank here at Bersted Jubilee Hall weekdays 10am to 2pm.

Items needed tinned veg, instant mash

Potato, tinned pasta, tinned rice pudding, UHT milk, coffee, tinned fish, squash & fruit juice, spreads jam, peanut butter, marmite,

Bersted Parish Council, Bersted Jubilee Hall, Chalcraft Lane, Bersted, PO21 5TU, 01243 842221 clerk@bersted-pc.gov.uk www.bersted-pc.gov.uk