Expert: How to revive your garden without a hosepipe

Almost half of the UK would consider breaking a hosepipe ban 

After weeks of unusually warm, dry weather, many water companies including Thames Water, Welsh Water and South West Water have announced hosepipe bans. More are set to follow with Yorkshire Water’s ban coming into effect on Friday 26th August.

To understand how UK homeowners feel about hosepipe bans, Toolstation conducted a survey of 500 UK adults. The results revealed: 

• 44% of the UK would consider breaking a hosepipe ban – with 16% saying they’d be ‘highly likely’ to ignore the rules.
• Only 25% of the UK were aware the maximum fine for breaking a hosepipe ban is £1,000 – with 67% guessing the fine was £500 or less.
• 25% of the UK say they’d be likely to tell on their neighbour if they saw them using their hose during a ban.

Survey of 500 over 16s conducted via OnePulse on 03/08/2022. Full dataset available here.

The garden watering experts at Toolstation say they do not condone breaking the rules: 

“We’d never suggest ignoring a hosepipe ban. Water is a precious resource and at times like this, we all have a part to play in using water economically to protect the environment. Plus, it’s worth remembering that fines can be up to £1,000.” 

It’s worth noting that hosepipe bans don’t apply to all: 

“Don’t forget there are some exemptions to hosepipe bans. For example, if your lawn has been laid in the past 28 days. You can also water plants in outdoor pots, or ones under a covered structure such as a greenhouse. Most water companies also make an exception for disabled people.” 

Toolstation’s experts want to share some alternative methods of watering your garden during a ban: 

Water pump

“In many instances, as a property owner, you’re legally allowed to draw water from a nearby river, lake or stream to water your garden. This means you can connect your existing hosepipe to a water pump and water your garden that way. You can check the rules online via the Environment Agency.”

Watering can 

“Using a watering can to water your garden is much slower but there are some benefits too. Why not mix in some plant food and take the opportunity to give your garden a boost of nutrients?”  

Grey water 

“Domestic wastewater from things like baths, showers and washing machines can be used to water your garden too. Household soaps and detergents won’t harm your plants, but you’ll want to avoid water containing stronger cleaning products like bleach and dishwasher salt.” 

Water butts  

“Water butts are an affordable way to store rainwater for use in drier parts of the year. Even in dry areas of the UK, RHS estimate 150 water butts full of perfectly clean rainwater could be collected from each roof every year! If you’re looking to save time, a water butt pump is a great idea – they can be easily installed inside a water butt and connected to your existing hose.” 

But we shouldn’t panic about keeping our gardens watered, say Toolstation’s gardening pros: 

“Don’t be overly concerned about watering your garden in the summer months. Of course, plants do need water to survive but healthy soil can hold moisture for long periods. In fact, you’ll often find if you stick your finger below the surface level of your soil, it’s moist underneath.

“Plants are most vulnerable to water shortages when they’re first planted. Once they have established their roots, keeping your soil healthy by adding organic matter like compost and manure should minimise the need for watering.

“When it comes to lawns, remember they like to be dramatic! Often, a dry, brown lawn that looks completely dead is actually just dormant. Most established grasses can survive drought induced dormancy for 3-4 weeks.”