Dammetjies make plants grow
Dammetjies promote strong plant growth by:
- Creating a small dam around the plant so water soaks slowly down to the roots.
- Promoting deep watering to encourage root growth.
- Keeping out grass and ground covers that compete for water.
- Ensuring fertilisers and plant food get to the root system.
- Containing mulch around the plant to slow down evaporation.
Dammetjies save precious water by:
- Ensuring every drop counts so you water less often.
- Preventing run-off to areas where it is not needed.
- Allowing you to judge how much water to give each plant.
- Slowing down evaporation.
Dammetjies are ideal for a wide range of plants:
- Rose bushes that require a lot of water.
- All types of shrubs and flowering plants.
- Saplings, including fruit trees.
- Vegetables such as tomatoes.
- Herbs grow particularly well.
A fully-patented South African horticultural invention
Dammetjies were patented by inventor Geoff Bird who designed the “small dams” to combat the unpredictable rainfall and even semi-drought conditions in Southern Africa.
Thousands of dammetjies have been sold in South Africa since 2004 and they are now being exported to Australia where similar climatic conditions prevail. Inquiries have also been received from England and Europe.
The principle on which they work is very simple: Where there is water there is life.
Dammetjies manage to not only contain the water around the plant, but also keep the soil around the plant moist for longer.
Dammetjies are placed over the plant and then sunk into the ground thereby isolating the moist soil on the inside from the dry soil outside.
As a result of the increase in moisture, plant growth is greatly enhanced and the roots grow deeper, so making plants less susceptible to damage during dry or even drought conditions.
Buy Dammetjies from your nursery or direct from us
Most leading nurseries and lifestyle centres stock Dammetjies. But if you have a problem finding a convenient stockist, you can order direct from us with free delivery to your nearest South African post office.
The new name DAM-IT is descriptive enough to tell gardeners to save water by damming it up around the roots of their plants, especially if planting on sloping ground. “Not only does it save water, but the DAM-IT allows gardeners to measure exactly how much water they are giving each plant. This is a saving in itself as it prevents over-watering.”
Drought conditions in the UK ENGLAND is currently experiencing its worst drought in 100 years. Two exceptionally dry winters have left ground water supplies at record low levels – with no quick solution in sight. And any decent summer rainfall is likely to have a limited effect as plants and other vegetation will soak it up whilst hot temperatures will result in evaporation.
Hosepipe bans are in place across several regions – meaning the watering of plants has become extremely laborious for gardeners. We believe DAM-IT could play an important role in helping UK gardeners use water wisely. The simple, yet brilliant, design of DAM-IT means water goes straight to where it is needed – the root system. Not a drop is wasted. For ground water levels to return to normal levels, this winter will have to be exceptionally wet. Without this, hosepipe bans and other drought enforcement schemes are likely to remain in place for some considerable time.
We urge you to use your head by using water wisely by using DAM-IT.
Useful links:
Mid-Kent Water - www.midkentwater.co.uk
Thames Water - www.thames-water.com
Waterwise - www.waterwise.org.uk
Source: Dam-It
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