Six tips for wise watering this summer

1. Water your garden early in the morning or in the evening to avoid unnecessary evaporation.

2. Where possible, use a watering can rather than sprinklers or a hose to avoid wasting water.

3. Focus your watering directly beneath your plants, shrubs and trees, avoiding use on bare ground.

4. Add organic matter, such as compost, to your garden to improve the water-holding capacity of your soil.

5. Harness water straight from the sky by installing a water butt.

6. Remove weeds – these consume water, leaving less moisture in the soil for the rest of your plants.