Gardeners are being warned not to overdo the watering this summer.

Southern Water says using sprinklers and hoses too much could lead to a return of hosepipe bans.

The company, along with the Royal Horticultural Society, (RHS) is promoting a campaign to make sure residents use water as efficiently as possible.

The drive is centred on customers with large gardens in areas of north Sussex stretching from Horsham to Petersfield and from Haslemere on the Surrey border to Steyning.

The RHS is writing to customers in this part of Sussex and giving tips on how to water plants efficiently.

Southern Water is planning a series of water butt sales during June, when water-saving kits will be available.

The company's web site, www.southernwater.co.uk has water-efficient gardening tips and an interactive list of water-wise plants.

Paul Seeley, Southern Water's water strategy manager, said: "The Environment Agency predicts 21st Century gardeners will have to deal with hotter and drier summers, high soil temperatures and less rainfall.

"This will make it hard to create lush borders and green lawns.

"In the summertime, gardeners increase their water usage which has a serious impact on overall demand for water."