Managing water in your garden

Climate change is making water an ever more important issue for gardeners. Learn how to cope with water shortages and extreme rainfall, store water and use it wisely

Why is water management so important?

Water management is a key part of gardening sustainably, and is becoming increasingly important as gardeners face increasing pressures from a changing climate.

As well as hotter temperatures, climate change brings the challenge of gardening with a more uneven distribution of water. We expect winters to become warmer and wetter, and summers to become hotter and drier. This means extreme weather events such as droughts and floods are likely to become more frequent.

With this in mind, it's increasingly important to know how to manage water in your garden, from how to save water and water more efficiently, to storing excess winter water to help see you through summer droughts, to designing and planting a garden with both water use and water-related impacts in mind. We are here to help with everything you need to know about managing water in your garden.

Storing and conserving water in your garden

Learn how to make the most of every drop of rain that falls on your garden

Watering advice

Everything you need to know about watering your garden, pots and crops
Switch from Mains 2 Rains: Water the way nature intended

Mains water use in our homes and gardens is often highest when water availability is lowest – in hot, dry periods. However, by making a few simple changes, we can all make our gardens and outdoor spaces thrive on the rainfall we receive by collecting it and re-using it during dry spells. So, switch now from mains to rains to make your garden more sustainable.

Make your pledge today

Coping with shortages of water

Summer droughts are becoming more common, so it's worth planning for them. Thoughtful plant choice can help your garden survive dry weather without intensive water use.

NEW: Water Neutral Garden Calculator

How much water does your garden actually need? How can you design a garden to use less water?
This new tool, developed by the British Geological Survey, Imperial College and UCL, provides a guide for how much water a garden needs, how often to water, and your garden’s impact on flooding. Aimed at gardeners, schools, industry, local government and urban planners, the tool assists with water saving and improving the sustainability of public spaces.

Check your garden

Coping with too much water

Extreme rainfall is also becoming more frequent, especially in winter. Designing your garden accordingly can make it more resilient in the face of flooding and waterlogging.

Water conscious garden design

Advice on designing a garden with water in mind
What the RHS is doing

As laid out in our Sustainability Strategy, the RHS aims to be water neutral by 2030. We are committed to using less, capturing, reusing and recycling water in RHS operations, including gardens and shows, and to encourage water-neutral gardening practices.

RHS Sustainability Strategy

Environmental sustainability

It's not just about the water you use, what your garden releases matters too

Other ways to make a difference in your garden

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.