Vancouver Island gets 1,500+ mm of rain per year -- but almost none of it falls in summer. Plan your irrigation to bridge the dry season gap.
The island is wet -- but the growing season is dry. June through September typically receives less than 150mm total. That is when your garden needs the most water.
Data: Campbell River 30-year normals. Victoria gets about 30% less rain overall.
Enter your garden details to get a watering schedule and see exactly how much water you need through the dry months.
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Crop Need (mm) | Deficit | Irrigation Needed | Watering Frequency |
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Use less water and keep your plants healthier. Every technique here has been tested on Vancouver Island properties.
Straw, wood chips, or leaf mould. Reduces evaporation by 50-70%. Keeps soil cool and moist. Apply after soil warms in late spring.
Water savings: 50-70% evaporation reduction
Delivers water directly to roots. 90%+ efficient vs 50-60% for sprinklers. Run on timer in early morning. Less disease from wet foliage.
Water savings: 30-50% vs overhead watering
Unglazed clay pots buried to the neck, filled with water. Water seeps through clay walls directly to root zone. Ancient technology, highly effective.
Water savings: Up to 70% vs surface irrigation
1,000 sq ft of roof captures 3,400 litres per 25mm rain event. A 1,000-gallon tank bridges 2-3 weeks of dry weather for a small garden. Size your system →
Free water from your roof
Logs and branches buried under soil act as sponges. Absorb water in wet season, release it slowly in summer. Takes 1-2 years to activate. Plan your earthworks →
Self-watering beds after Year 2
On-contour swales uphill from garden beds capture and infiltrate rainwater. Keeps subsoil moist through the dry season. Size your swales →
Passive subsoil recharge
Water before 9am. Reduces evaporation by 25% compared to midday watering. Plants take up water better in morning. Dry foliage overnight prevents disease.
25% less evaporation vs midday
Water deeply (1 inch per session) 2-3 times per week instead of lightly every day. Trains roots to grow deep. Deep roots find moisture that shallow roots cannot.
Builds drought resilience in plants