As we see our climate become more extreme, considering how your garden will cope with long dry spells can help you keep your garden thriving.
Growing a beautiful garden in drought conditions is always going to be challenging but it can be made easier with:
- Healthy soil
- Choosing the right plants
- Water saving tips and tricks
Drought proofing your garden
A garden can be as fragile or robust as you choose. With the right plants, proper training and a few tips and tricks, you can create a beautiful garden that won’t wilt without water.
Healthy Soil
Drought proofing your garden starts with the soil.
- Improve its structure by adding bulk quantities of organics like compost and sheep pellets.
- Work the soil by forking or digging it over, to improve air and water penetration.
- Mulch to a depth of 7-10cm with an organic mulch to minimise water loss and keep the soil cool.
- More tips on creating a healthy soil.
The right plants
Some plants will cope better in a drought than others, but that doesn’t mean that you should only plant cacti!
- Plant for your climate:
Plants that grow well in your climate will be the better performers in your garden. Those needing a lot of nurturing in order to survive will be the first to collapse under trying circumstances.
- Look for drought tolerant or low water use plants:
Plants originating in the Mediterranean region have adapted to endure long periods without supplementary water. These include olives, geraniums and, yes, even roses.
For guidance on what will not only survive but thrive in your area, look at neighbours' gardens, or browse your local garden centre.
- Use foliage colour and form for maximum impact. Grey and thick leaved plants are generally very water efficient and drought tolerant, so design a garden that makes the most of these plants. Look for foliage colour and texture to add interest and contrast in your garden throughout the year.
- Buy quality, healthy plants. The bargain corner of the nursery may seem ok, but you can be buying a cheap headache. Look for healthy plants that will be able to cope with having to survive in the garden, rather than struggling plants that need nurturing.
Water saving tips and tricks
There are many ways to save water and still keep your garden growing well.
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Teach your plants to search for water |
When you water the garden, do so for a longer period of time but less often - so water soaks deep down into the soil. This encourages plants to develop extensive root systems which are more drought tolerant. Short daily watering is an absolute 'no-no' if you want to teach your plants to be more self-sufficient and your garden to survive. |
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Group thirsty plants together |
If you must have a couple of 'water guzzler' plants, try growing them in close proximity of one another so you only need to watch and frequently water that one small area, rather than the entire garden. |
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Remove weeds |
Weeds need water too and they usually are far more efficient at getting it than most of your garden plants. Removing weeds reduces competition and makes sure the plants you want to keep are getting the water. |
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Mulch with an organic mulch |
Reduce moisture loss from the soil and plants by adding an insulating mulch over the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds, so it's a win-win situation for your garden. |
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Water the roots, not the leaves |
Plants take in water and nutrients from the soil through their roots. Make sure you water the soil around plants and apply enough to reach the entire root zone. Watering the foliage may cool the plants down briefly after a hot day but it also encourages fungal problems to develop. Water droplets on leaves may also cause burn spots - the heat of the sun is amplified through the water resulting in leaves being burned or scorched. |
