Gardening Rules
Gardening rule questions and answers are available below.
For more specific information visit : Storage trigger levels, Dripper systems, Watering days for gardens, Vehicle washing, Sports grounds/clubs, Pools and spas, Industry and small businesses, Penalties and exemptions, other stage 3A questions, stage 4 restrictions, further information or the general questions and answers.
Under Stage 3a water restrictions, can I water my lawn?
No. There is a complete ban on watering lawns for residents and businesses and exemptions are no long available for new turf and/or establishing gardens. However, alternate sources (e.g., rainwater tank water or grey water) can be used at any time.
Q: Can you hose in wetting agents?
No, in Melbourne we are in stage 3a water restrictions and a lawn cannot be watered at anytime.
You can apply wetting agents, fertilisers, etc., just prior to rain or customers may use an alternative water supply such as grey water, rain water etc.
Q: Can I cut off my household downpipe and redirect the water to my lawn?
In times of drought we realise that it is common practise for homeowners to implement water saving solutions around their home. However according to the Plumbing Inspection Commission (PIC) you need to be a licensed plumber to perform any roofing or stormwater work. This work is regulated by the PIC.
The reason this work is regulated is because the downpipe terminates just above the ground and is then connected to a stormwater output. If work is not done properly you can potentially flood the area and cause damage to the house's foundation and the surrounding area.
Incorrect connection or disconnection to stormwater outputs can also have wider implications.
If the water is not redirected properly, flooding under the house can cause stagnant water and/or rising damp - both of which undermine the underlying structure. If you perform this work yourself, you may inadvertently nullify your homeowner’s warranty and/or roof warranty.
Under Stage 3a water restrictions, can I water my garden?
Yes. You may use a manual dripper system that you turn on or off by hand, hand-held hoses fitted with trigger nozzles, watering cans and buckets between 6 am-8 am to water your plants as required two days per week. *
Automatic dripper systems that turn themselves on and off can only be used between Midnight - 2 am two days per week. *
- Even and no-numbered properties can water plants on Saturday and Tuesday within specified times.
- Odd numbered properties can water plants on Sunday and Wednesday within specified times.
- Watering is not permitted on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Remember, most gardens do not need two full hours of watering. Please water according to your plants needs.
Why are you allowed to water your garden for two hours on specified watering days?
The Drought Response Plan states that watering may take place ‘only as required’ within specified watering hours. We encourage you to abide by the Drought Response Plan and water only as required. The four-hour window, over two days, has been granted to provide for maximum flexibility for people with time constraints. We do not encourage watering for the full four-hour duration.
I have a domestic vegetable garden and the limited watering hours don’t suit my needs…Can I get an exemption?
No. Stage 3a was developed to reduce the impact on residential gardeners and both ornamental and domestic produce gardens fall under the same rules. These rules allow manual watering between 6 am – 8 am on designated watering days or automatic watering using a dripper system between midnight and 2 am on designated watering days.
Exemptions may be available for community or educational produce gardens.
The severity of our water situation is really driving innovation in water management, and we encourage our customers to actively pursue the use of alternative sources such as greywater*, rainwater (stormwater reuse or tanks) and recycled water.
We also recommend speaking to one of the experts at an authorised Water Saver Garden Centre to discuss water wise solutions.
How do I water / keep my vegetable garden healthy?
You can:
- Water your vegetable garden on your designated watering days
- Use rainwater
- Collect drinking water while waiting for the water to heat up in the kitchen and bath as well as rinse water from washing fruit or vegetables.
- Consider using a sunshade to protect your plants from direct sun during the heat of the day
- Speak to your local nursery or garden centre for more tips
Other tips for keeping your vegetable garden
- Good soil preparation is essential. It is important that the soil has the capacity to hold enough water and nutrients to sustain a good crop, and this means you need to add plenty of compost and organic matter to the soil.
- Use organic mulches like pea straw or lucerne. They help to conserve moisture and break down relatively quickly, improving the structure and fertility of the soil.
- Mix water-storing crystals through the soil before planting your crop. They store water near the plant roots enabling plants to draw water, as they need it. As a consequence plants are better able to withstand dry weather conditions and infrequent watering.
- Fertilise - Seasol is a good guardian for hot, dry conditions. Regular doses of Seasol can help plants to cope with stresses like heat and dehydration. It also increases root development for optimal water uptake and improves plants’ natural resistance to insect and fungal attack – which is a good thing because healthier plants are less susceptible to stress. Seasol also stimulates the root system of plants and increases reproductive capacity – which means more flowers and fruit.
- For vegetables that have already been planted - Poke vertical holes into the soil or potting mix around the root zone and trickle a small amount of crystals into each hole. Top off with soil or potting mix and water thoroughly.
I thought I couldn’t use greywater on a vegetable garden if you eat the produce raw – is this true?
True, the EPA recommends you don’t use grey water from the kitchen, bath or laundry on a vegetable garden if the crop is to be eaten raw or uncooked. However you can use the drinking water you capture while waiting for the water to heat up in the kitchen and bath.
Exactly what type of greywater is okay for watering vegetable gardens?
You can use the drinking water you capture while waiting for the water to heat up in the kitchen and bath as well as rinse water from washing fruit or vegetables.
The EPA recommends you don’t use greywater from the kitchen, bath or laundry (i.e. water with soap residue) on a vegetable garden if the crop is to be eaten raw or uncooked.
If people with pools can top up with a bucket why can’t people with vegetable gardens do the same?
Stage 3a is a practical balanced approach to managing Melbourne’s water supplies. Stage 3a provides Melburnians with greater certainty while maintaining the existing savings by households, industry and the wider community. This certainty enables gardens to be watered and allows sport to continue throughout summer and autumn. The filling of pools can continue (via buckets only) to ensure that the pool’s structure and filtration system is not compromised. Without water, pools can break and rise out of the ground. To avoid the need to fill the pool, owners can maintain proper chemical balance and minimise evaporative losses and also water loss from excessive splashing.