Valuable water: Optimising garden irrigation

Over the past years changed rain conditions, long hot spells and dry periods have made life difficult for the garden. So that they continue to flourish and bloom in the future as well, a well-thought-out water supply concept is needed. This includes handling the resource water sparingly. The garden industry is striving to sensitise consumers and municipals more on this topic. For example, an alliance between industry and trade associations is currently planning a campaign on the theme garden irrigation. They have launched the website www.wasserimgarten.info together, which offers many ideas for sustainable and resource-saving garden irrigation.

In order to save valuable drinking water, alternative resources are increasingly being used to irrigate the garden. The simplest and most cost-effective way of watering the greenery is to use rainwater that has been collected. The Industry Garden Association (IVG) estimates that the average yearly requirement of water for a garden is 150 to 200 litres per square metre. The garden industry offers a multitude of products that facilitate the collection and usage of rainwater. For instance, in the meantime there are water butts in many sizes and shapes, made from recycled plastic and with additional features like a filling machine or a planting bowl for flowers and herbs.

Rainwater also plays a major role for public green spaces, when it comes down to climate adaption. According to current surveys, the building sector feels the natural resource is of growing significance regarding the future irrigation of street trees, or shrubs and perennials. Systems for the efficient collection, cleaning and storage of rainwater are being developed to enable irrigation in urban regions that saves drinking water. The needs-based water supply of urban greenery is sensor-controlled for a fully-automatic irrigation.

Modern irrigation computers help save precious water in private gardens. The smart assistants enable the plants to be watered conveniently and accurately without wasting water. Current models offer different schedules and irrigation cycles that can be programmed for different sections of the garden. They are controlled via Wi-Fi and smartphone apps so that the irrigation is automatically adapted in line with the weather. According to the manufacturers, the digital monitoring of the water consumption can save up to 50 percent of the monthly water bill.

Pump and irrigation systems that are coordinated with each other are further solutions for watering the garden efficiently. Drop irrigation allows the water to be distributed to the individual plants or lawn areas in a targeted manner. High-power nozzles with a special uniform spraying pattern ensure greater efficiency. Modern pumps that guarantee a uniform water pressure during irrigation also reduce the consumption.

Classic garden irrigation products are also getting an update today. Watering cans and sprayers are made out of recycled and recyclable plastic. Ergonomic designs facilitate their filling and handling as well as targeted watering. New water hoses are particularly stable and resistant to weather influences and UV rays. Plug-in systems that are totally compatible with one another, enable the fast exchange of accessories and spare parts. Battery-run hose boxes facilitate their storage.

A national water strategy has been passed by the German Government to ensure the sustainable management of the resource water. The related measures are to come into force in stages by 2030. Consumers can already support this strategy today by watering their garden more consciously. The coming spoga+gafa will show which related new products the garden industry is bringing out onto the market. Among others, new products in the sections water and pond technology, water & lighting as well as irrigation and sprinkling technology will be exhibited in the Cologne exhibition halls from 16 to 18 June 2024.