Back Saving Water-Wise Gardening

In many parts of Australia, the hot Aussie summer comes with water restrictions so the dam doesn’t run dry. Great for the community, but hard on the garden, and even harder on your back! Our gardens are a great investment in the environment, local wildlife and our own enjoyment of our space. They contribute to better air quality, provide helpful exercise and give us a better overall sense of wellbeing. However, in times of drought, carrying buckets and dishes of water from the shower and sink into the garden is very hard work on your back. The additional strain over time can result in an injury. So how can you keep your garden alive without hurting yourself?

Firstly, reduce the amount of water you need to put on the garden. Stick your finger in the soil first and see if water is actually needed. If rain is forecast, hold off watering unless your plants are stressed and let nature do the job. Using mulch, peat moss and compost will help prevent your plants and soil from drying out. Not allowing grass to grow right up to the base of trees will cut down on both the trees and grass competing for the same water supply. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses can be used, when allowed by Council restrictions, to get water straight to the roots of your plants. Watering to the root system helps prevent disease problems.

Think about whether you can reduce your number of pot plants too. As much as they brighten up your garden, they take a lot of effort and need much more water than plants in your garden beds. Soil additives such as water crystals can help reduce the amount of water they need. Again, place decorative pebbles or bark on top of their soil as much so they don’t dry out as quickly.

Many Australian gardens are over watered. Watering the garden, particularly on hot summer evenings, is a pleasant job so we tend to overdo it. This teaches our plants to be dependent on us for their needs, rather than putting their roots down deeper and tapping into their own resources. Have a look at the garden beds in public areas such as roundabouts. They are rarely ever maintained, yet they survive except in the toughest times. Gradually cut back on how much water you give your garden over a steady period of time and see what it really needs. Signs of heat stress such as wilting, brown leaf edges or losing leaves will soon let you know if you have cut back too much. Your lawn will cry out by looking brown and becoming brittle. Plants which are newly planted or not properly established (under 2 years old) will need more water than the older parts of your garden, so watch for signs that they need a little special treatment.

It will also help if you remember to lift smart. Think a bit before you go to do anything that will stress your back and/or neck. Is that dish of water too awkward to keep picking up off the floor? Would a taller bucket with handles do a better job? Is it just too heavy when full? Should you empty if more often to reduce back strain?

Also, don’t forget the other gardening jobs such as moving pots, lifting bags of soil or fertiliser, bending over pulling out weeds or moving a full wheelbarrow. What are you doing to your back? It could be a wise move to ask for help with any gardening task and make it a fun, two person job. Remember too, bend your knees instead of your spine and keep your back straight.

For examples and diagrams of safe lifting techniques, please go to http://www.liftsmart.com.au/SafeLifting.pdf

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