Britain will be facing the strictest hosepipe ban in UK history because of drought. The past dry winters and early sunny weather has caused much of the south to suffer from drought. Officials say the ban could last up to 18 months.

Seven firms are imposing water restrictions after two unusually dry winters left reservoirs, aquifers and rivers below normal levels. Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East are to enforce restrictions.

Each company’s rules may differ slightly but below is a basic list of things you can’t do during the hosepipe ban:

1. Watering a garden, including the use of sprinklers, irrigation systems (drip or trickle systems are allowed)
2. Cleaning a private vehicle using a hosepipe (including taxis and minicabs)
3. Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises.
4. Cleaning private leisure boats.
5. Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool.
6. Domestic recreational use.
7. Filling or maintaining a domestic pond (unless it has fish in)
8. Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain – including those powered by a pump.
9. Cleaning walls, windows, patios, paths, garden furniture or other outdoor artificial surfaces.

Drought conditions are expected to spread across more of England in the coming weeks unless rain arrives. A ban on hosepipes means they cannot be used in your gardens, including pond maintenance or for cleaning. If you use a hosepipe during the ban, you risk being prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.

There are plenty of things you can do to stop your garden suffering in the drought;

1. If plants have died in your garden because of heat don’t re-buy them this summer. Try instead, drought-tolerant plants. These are effective in all types of gardens and will flourish through the drought.
2. If plants have died in your garden because of heat don’t re-buy them this summer. Try instead, drought-tolerant plants. These are effective in all types of gardens and will flourish through the drought.
3. If plants have died in your garden because of heat don’t re-buy them this summer. Try instead, drought-tolerant plants. These are effective in all types of gardens and will flourish through the drought.
4. Increase the amount of organic matter in your soil. This will lock in moisture and improve the health of your plants.
5. Water your garden efficiently within the restrictions. Drip or trickle irrigation systems are still allowed and will give your garden enough water to survive.
6. Water your gardens in the evening or early morning as this retains water better. Water right to the root of the plants and don’t bother watering established plants unless they are drying out.
7. Water seedlings, pots and containers first – these are the most in need of water.
8. Harvest your water and collect rainwater. Bath, sink and washing up water can be used in the garden but not stored while rainwater can be stored in water butts and used over the summer.  

Click Here for our Full Range of Drought Tolerant Plants

If you want a brilliant alternative to using watering cans during the ban, try our brilliant Raingel feed. Just one application of our Raingel will feed your plants all season and cut your watering by up to 90%. Our effective feed for all seasons is available in either 500g or 150g