Conserve rainwater and help your plants to flourish

Alison Patel writes: Conserving rainwater should be at the top of the list of priorities for any eco-conscious gardener.

That is according to horticulturalist Joe Swift, who has said that gardeners first of all need to consider using plants that suit the soil, so that they don't have to be over-watered.

Writing in the Times, he explained that this meant choosing plants that cope well in dry soil, or he said: "If it's naturally wet, then look for those that will cope and thrive."

He also advised adding organic waste and mulch to soil to help it retain its moisture and make it fertile.

Mr Swift suggested one way to conserve rainwater was to have plants positioned under paving so that when the water runs off paving stones it will be directed onto the foliage.

Gardeners who are serious about harvesting rainwater have been advised to collect it from roofs and drainage channels and direct it into a tank underground for filtering, cleaning and reusing.

However, he suggested that a cheaper alternative was to "use a water butt or a series of water butts linked together anywhere water will run off a roof".

The Royal Horticultural Society has suggested that water butts should be put on stands.

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