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Hosepipe Ban/Watering Dilemma

RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
in Problem solving
Hosepipe ban came in force for me today.  I carefully checked the restrictions on South East Water's website and one of the exemptions is that you can water flowerpots using a hose.  I was surprised at this.  I am old and have a lot of flowerpots. I am also responsible and understand that climate change is a manmade problem and we should all do out part in cutting down consumption of everything, including water.  So folks, what would you do in this situation; water your flowerpots with the aid of a hose of use a bucket and watering can, given that it would give you backache and probably you'd need to lie down afterwards?
Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
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  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    If you are allowed to use a hose and you are elderly and/or have back ache, then use a hose. When hoses use a lot of water is when they are attached to a sprinkler.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    I’d use your hose but not for longer than absolutely necessary,if it were me .I know what back breaking work water cans can be .I mostly pot garden now I’m in my 70 s and I fill the cans with wash up water for the pots nearest to the house and leave the others till somebody comes to help me .
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    In your situation I’d use the hose, don’t feel guilty, you’re following the rules.  If some of your plants are struggling though, you may want to consider only watering the stronger or your favourite plants and reducing the number of pots you have. Grouping them together will make it easier for you and by shading each other they will need less water.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Yes I  would use the hose. I agree about grouping plants together,  it creates a microclimate &helps them resist the heat. I also use pot trays or saucers,  so if water runs through the  plant can absorb the rest later. 
    AB Still learning

  • MikeOxgreenMikeOxgreen Posts: 812
    I'd use my waste water.
  • JacquimcmahonJacquimcmahon Posts: 1,039
    Another for the hose here. If you can put saucers under like allotmentboy says. I have pots on all my pots and don’t wase anything that way, also the bees and the sparrows have all discovered the damp spots for a drink and a bath, so you will do your bit for the wildlife at the same time 😃
    Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    Your comments have eased my feelings of guilt.  The suggestions above I'd been doing for a few weeks, though I could make more use of saucers. 
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 4,254
    Jacquimcmahon said:
    Another for the hose here. If you can put saucers under like allotmentboy says. I have pots on all my pots and don’t wase anything that way, also the bees and the sparrows have all discovered the damp spots for a drink and a bath, so you will do your bit for the wildlife at the same time 😃
    How about the mosquitoes?
  • MikeOxgreenMikeOxgreen Posts: 812
    Papi Jo said:
    Jacquimcmahon said:
    Another for the hose here. If you can put saucers under like allotmentboy says. I have pots on all my pots and don’t waste anything that way, also the bees and the sparrows have all discovered the damp spots for a drink and a bath, so you will do your bit for the wildlife at the same time 😃
    How about the mosquitoes?
    You can't choose who you feed and who you don't feed  ;)
    Well, you can, but it's hard work.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It’s choosing who the mosquitoes feed on that’s more important 🙄

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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