Give your garden the 'Slip, Slop, Slap' ahead of summer

• Dry winter prompts call for households to prepare gardens to cope with hot, dry conditions
• Healthy soil and efficient sprinklers help lawns and plants make the most of twice weekly watering
• Using just enough water in our gardens can help reduce pressure on WA’s water supply

Perth households are being encouraged to get their gardens ready for summer now, helping lawns and plants cope with warmer conditions while sticking to two rostered watering days.

With below-average winter rainfall across southern WA and streamflow into local dams at its lowest in more than a decade, Western Australians are being urged to use just enough water this summer.

Just as we ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ before spending a day in the summer sun, a few simple steps now can prepare our gardens for the heat and help prevent unnecessary watering when temperatures rise.

Lawns and gardens account for more than one-third of household water use, but healthy soil, mulch and well-maintained sprinkler systems can help gardens make better use of their two watering days.

Water Corporation’s Waterwise Programs and Partnerships Manager, Damien Postma said spring was the ideal time to prepare gardens for hotter, drier conditions.

“With another long, dry summer forecast for southern WA, now is the time to give your garden its own ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’,” Mr Postma said.

“Soil conditioners and improvers, like gypsum and clay, as well as wetting agents and mulch, help gardens absorb and retain moisture. An efficient sprinkler system ensures water gets where it’s needed most.

“Importantly, stick to your two rostered watering days and use just enough to keep your garden healthy.”

Check sprinkler systems for leaks, drips and blockages, adjust irrigation controllers for summer and switch them off when it rains. Weather-based irrigation controllers also help prevent overwatering.

“Get those basics right now and your garden will be better prepared for summer. Our new online Waterwise Garden Hub can guide you through the steps or connect you with a Waterwise specialist for help with irrigation, plumbing or landscaping.

“Being waterwise doesn’t mean giving up the garden you love. Do the groundwork now to improve your soil and you can have a healthier, greener garden that needs less water, even in summer.”

Water Corporation’s new ‘Water Colours the West’ campaign launched this week, highlighting the growing demand on WA’s water supply and the role everyone must play in shaping our water future.

For practical advice on preparing your garden to use just enough water this summer, visit our new Waterwise garden hub.