WITH the warmer weather here to stay, we’re all looking for ways to keep cool and stay hydrated. 

And the same goes for our gardens, with many of us anxiously wondering how often we should be watering our pots and flower beds. 

But with South East Water announcing a temporary ban on hosepipe and sprinkler use from today for their customers in Kent and Sussex, you might be wondering how to keep on top of it. 

Luckily gardening expert Monty Don has revealed the easiest way to look after your plants during the warmer months. 

His trick – reusing the dirty water from your dishes, or even your shower.  

Previously speaking on Gardeners' World during the 2022 heatwave, he said: “I’m clutching a bowl of washing up water – grey water – because in the very dry conditions we've had you need to use whatever water you can.

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“Grey water, whether it's a washing dishes or yourself, is perfectly good on floral plants. 

“Don't use it on edible food.

“Let it cool down of course, and I've got it here for this clematis.”

During the program, the gardening expert is seen clutching a grey washing-up bowl, half filled with soapy water left over from his dishes. 

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The lead host of the hit BBC gardening advice show, aged 66, continued: “But because it's a young plant, it means that its root system is fairly small.

“So, therefore, it's not able to access the moisture that might be deeper down in the soil, so I'm having to make sure it is really well-watered.

“And clematis is one of those plants that really needs water. So grey water is perfect for them.”

Gardening fans took to Twitter to share their support for the idea, with one writing: “I am starting to use some  'grey water' on lawn and shrubs. Monty Don recommends so that's good enough for me.”

Speaking about the ban, South East Water CEO David Hinton said: "This situation has developed much more rapidly than last year.

"Understandably, we’ve seen customer demand increase in line with the hotter weather, however, this has impacted our ability to keep all customers in supply at all times.

"Despite asking for customers' help to use water for essential uses only, regrettably we’ve now been left with no choice but to introduce this temporary use ban restriction to protect customers' supplies across Kent and Sussex.

"The long-term forecast for the rest of the summer is for a dry period with little rainfall, although temperatures may reduce slightly.

"Restricting the use of hosepipes and sprinklers to make sure we have enough water for our customers’ essential use, will ensure we can serve our vulnerable customers and protect the local environment.

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He added: "The temporary restrictions, will be enforced from 26 June.

"This will mean that customers will be prevented from using hosepipes for watering their gardens, washing cars, patios, and boats, and from filling swimming and paddling pools.”

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