WATERING at night, not during the day, lavender not petunias and mulch rather than bare soil.

These are just a few of the water saving hacks that Garden Ninja, Lee Burkhill, is recommending to keen gardeners in the north west.

Lee has teamed up with Great Sankey-based United Utilities to demonstrate how green-fingered residents can maintain a healthy garden and still use water wisely.

The Royal Horticultural Society recently reported a surge in online queries for gardening advice, while United Utilities’ recent research found that two in five homeowners are using more water in their gardens since lockdown began.

RHS award-winning garden designer, Lee, said: “The lockdown has seen lots of people try their hand at gardening. There are some really simple ways to maintain a healthy garden without worrying about using too much water. These tips can also save you a lot of time.”

According to the Garden Ninja, there are several simple changes you can make to your gardening habits to make the most of your water and maximise enjoyment of your carefully nurtured oasis:

  • Swap your hosepipe for a watering can.
  • Install a water butt to collect rainwater.
  • Water your garden in the early morning or late evening.
  • Leave your lawn alone.
  • Mulch your borders by adding a layer of compost, bark chips or grass clippings to your borders.
  • Reuse water from washing salad and fruit.
  • Keep yourself hydrated.
  • Choose plants that require less water.
  • Fish tank water is great for plants.
  • Selective ‘spot’ watering.

Rose Francis, from United Utilities, said: “It’s great to see so many people enjoying their gardens more in uncertain times, with these spaces providing fantastic mental and physical boosts. It’s also a good time to be making changes so that we’re all using water more wisely in the garden.

“The whole family can enjoy Lee’s gardening activity suggestions. We hope they get people thinking about how much fun they can have in the garden while also considering the environmental effects of water usage.”