Hot summer ahead? 10 tips to keep your garden green while saving water

Hot weather can take its toll on your garden. These 10 expert tips can help you conserve water and keep your plants healthy this summer.

As temperatures rise and South Africans prepare for another summer, keeping gardens green and potted plants healthy could become a challenge, particularly in areas experiencing hot, dry conditions and water restrictions.

For gardening enthusiasts, the combination of heat, unpredictable water interruptions and rising water costs can make maintaining a thriving outdoor space difficult. The challenge becomes even greater for those planning to travel over the festive season and leave their plants unattended.

However, a few simple changes to your watering routine, plant selection and garden maintenance can help protect your green spaces while making better use of every drop of water.

Craig De Necker of award-winning garden design and landscaping company The Friendly Plant shares his advice on keeping gardens looking their best during the warmer months.

If your garden struggles during dry spells, consider replacing some water-intensive plants with succulents and other varieties suited to water-wise gardening.

Succulents generally require less frequent watering once established, making them a practical option for gardeners looking to reduce water consumption.

However, choosing drought-tolerant plants is only part of the solution. Understanding their individual watering needs is equally important.

The way you water your garden can make a significant difference to how effectively plants absorb moisture.

De Necker recommends drip irrigation, which delivers water directly into the soil near plant roots. This can reduce water loss through evaporation compared with overhead spraying and help moisture reach the areas where plants need it most.

Watering deeply, where appropriate for the plant and soil type, can also encourage moisture to reach the root zone, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Early morning or evening watering can help reduce evaporation during hot weather.

Johannesburg Water has advised residents to water gardens before 6am or after 6pm. Gardeners should check the latest guidance from their local water provider, as restrictions and permitted watering times can vary by municipality.

Where restrictions apply, make sure your watering routine complies with the rules in your area.

Not every plant has the same watering requirements. Bonsais, orchids and other sensitive varieties may need more careful monitoring than established succulents or drought-tolerant garden plants.

Learn what each plant needs and adjust your routine accordingly rather than applying the same amount of water across the entire garden.

Pay attention to factors such as the plant's location, the size of its pot, soil drainage and the prevailing weather conditions.

Dry, brittle leaves can be a sign that a plant is not receiving enough water.

Other warning signs may include wilting, dry soil and leaves that begin to curl, although symptoms can vary between plant species.

Check the soil regularly and look for changes in your plants before the damage becomes severe. Catching problems early can make it easier to adjust your watering routine.

While it is tempting to give plants extra water during a heatwave, more is not always better.

Overwatering can leave roots sitting in saturated soil, potentially contributing to root damage and other plant health problems. Drooping leaves are not always a sign of thirst; they can also indicate excessive watering.

Before reaching for the hose, check the soil. It should suit the needs of the plant, with adequate moisture and drainage rather than remaining waterlogged.

A well-maintained irrigation system can help you manage water use more efficiently, but leaks, broken pipes and blocked emitters can undermine its effectiveness.

Inspect your system regularly to make sure water is reaching the intended areas and that there are no unnecessary losses.

If your budget allows, a Wi-Fi-controlled irrigation system can offer additional flexibility. Some systems allow you to adjust watering schedules remotely in response to changing weather conditions.

For example, you could reduce or pause watering when rain is expected, or adjust the schedule during an extended hot spell, provided this is consistent with local water restrictions.

Leaving your garden unattended while travelling does not have to mean returning to wilted leaves and dry pots. A little preparation before departure can help your plants cope while you are away.

Adding a layer of mulch, such as suitable bark chips or other garden mulch, can help reduce evaporation and keep soil temperatures more stable.

Apply mulch around plants while keeping it away from direct contact with stems and trunks where appropriate. The layer helps the soil retain moisture, which can be particularly useful during hot weather.

Give potted plants a thorough watering before departure, allowing excess water to drain away properly.

How long they can go without additional watering will depend on the plant species, pot size, soil, location and weather conditions.

Plants in small containers or exposed to direct afternoon sun may dry out much faster than those in larger pots or sheltered positions. If you will be away for an extended period, consider asking someone to check on them or arranging a suitable watering system.

Potted plants can dry out quickly during summer, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight and hot winds.

Check whether your pots are positioned to benefit from rainfall. Containers tucked beneath roof overhangs or against walls may receive little or no rain even when the rest of the garden gets a good soaking.

Moving vulnerable plants to a more sheltered position can help, but make sure their new location still provides the appropriate amount of sunlight and ventilation.