Research

Conservation & Environment Guideline Leaflets

Water supplies: Conservation and protection from pollution

Water is essential for plant growth. It is a limited and valuable natural resource, which may become scarce during periods of low rainfall. The Royal Horticultural Society urges gardeners to make economical use of water by understanding the needs of plants and taking steps to reduce its loss from plants and the soil.

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A summary of RHS policy

1) The Royal Horticultural Society actively supports initiatives for the conservation of water and the protection of supplies from pollution.

2) The RHS promotes through its gardens and advisory services knowledge of the principles of water requirements in plants, and the means by which irrigation in gardens can be kept to a minimum with necessary applications
economically made.

3) The RHS recommends the importance of thorough and timely watering, and accurate placement to reduce wastage.

4) The RHS recommends that gardeners should collect rain water and use suitable waste domestic water, as a means of supplementing essential
irrigation requirements.

5) The RHS demonstrates and advises on the most economical methods of water application and use.

6) The RHS, through its advisory services and in its own gardens, promotes a responsible attitude concerning the use of garden chemicals and the disposal of surplus sprays that might pollute watercourses.