As temperatures rise and South Africans prepare for the new summer, maintaining greenery in gardens and keeping potted plants healthy can become a challenging task, especially in regions with dry and hot climates and water usage restrictions.
For gardening enthusiasts, the combination of heat, unpredictable water outages, and rising water costs makes maintaining lush outdoor spaces difficult. This problem is exacerbated for those planning to travel during the holiday season and leave plants unattended.
Nevertheless, small changes in watering routines, plant selection, and garden care can help protect green areas while more efficiently using every drop of water. Craig De Necker from The Friendly Plant, known for its award-winning design and landscaping, shares tips on keeping the garden looking its best during warm months.
If your garden is struggling during dry spells, consider replacing some water-intensive plants with succulents and other drought-tolerant varieties. Succulents generally require less frequent watering after rooting, making them a practical choice for gardeners aiming to reduce water consumption. However, choosing drought-tolerant plants is only part of the solution; understanding the individual watering needs of each variety is also paramount.
The way you water your garden can significantly affect how effectively plants absorb moisture. De Necker recommends drip irrigation, which delivers water directly into the soil near the plant roots. This reduces water loss through evaporation compared to overhead watering and helps moisture reach the areas where plants need it most. Deep watering is also beneficial as it encourages moisture penetration into the root zone, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Watering early in the morning or in the evening helps reduce evaporation in hot weather. Johannesburg Water has advised residents to water gardens before 6 am or after 6 pm. Gardeners should check the latest recommendations from their local water supplier, as restrictions and permitted watering times can vary by municipality. Where restrictions are in place, ensure your watering schedule complies with local rules.
Not all plants have the same watering requirements. Bonsai, orchids, and other sensitive varieties may require more careful monitoring than established succulents or drought-tolerant garden plants. It is necessary to study the needs of each plant and adjust your routine accordingly, rather than applying the same amount of water to the entire garden. Factors such as plant location, pot size, soil drainage, and prevailing weather conditions should be considered.
Dry, brittle leaves may indicate that a plant is not receiving enough water. Other signs can include wilting, dry soil, and leaf curling, although symptoms can vary between plant types. Regularly check the soil and monitor changes in your plants before the damage becomes severe. Early detection of problems facilitates adjusting the watering regimen.
Although during a heatwave there may be a temptation to give plants extra water, more is not always better. Overwatering can lead to roots sitting in saturated soil, which can potentially promote root damage and other plant health issues. Drooping leaves are not always a sign of thirst; they can also indicate overwatering. Before reaching for the hose, check the soil. It should meet the plant's needs, having sufficient moisture and drainage, rather than remaining waterlogged.
A well-maintained irrigation system can help you manage water consumption more efficiently, but leaks, broken pipes, and clogged emitters can undermine its effectiveness. Regularly inspect your system to ensure water is reaching the intended areas and that there are no unnecessary losses. If the budget allows, a Wi-Fi controlled irrigation system can provide additional flexibility. Some systems allow remote adjustment of watering schedules in response to changing weather conditions. For example, you can reduce or pause watering when rain is expected or adjust the schedule during prolonged heat, provided this complies with local water restrictions.
Leaving the garden unattended while traveling does not necessarily mean returning to wilted leaves and dry pots. A little preparation before leaving can help your plants survive your absence.
Adding a layer of mulch, such as appropriate wood chips or other garden mulch, can help reduce evaporation and stabilize soil temperature. Apply mulch around plants, avoiding direct contact with stems and trunks where appropriate. This layer helps the soil retain moisture, which is particularly useful in hot weather.
Water potted plants thoroughly before leaving, allowing excess water to drain properly. How long they can manage without additional watering will depend on the plant type, pot size, soil, location, and weather conditions. Plants in small containers or exposed to direct midday sun may dry out much faster than those in large pots or in sheltered areas. 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 in the summer, especially if exposed to direct sunlight and hot winds. Check whether your pots are positioned to benefit from rain. Containers placed under awnings or against walls may receive little or no rain, even when the rest of the garden is well watered. Moving vulnerable plants to a more sheltered spot can help, but ensure their new location still provides adequate sunlight and ventilation.