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Garden drought dry grass
Long periods without rain can be challenging for the garden. We share tips for gardening during a drought, plus ways to plan a drought resistant garden.
  • Keeping the garden well cared for in times of drought will in turn allow you to keep gaining enjoyment from time spent there
  • Looking after plants, including in tough weather times, engages nurturing instincts
  • A positive feeling from acknowledging and working around precious natural resources, supporting the environment
Watering can 1
A small red watering can in the garden

Some summers bring a plentiful supply of rain - usually just as we are planning to get the barbeque out! But, during prolonged dry spells, there are a number of ways you can conserve precious water while still keeping the garden healthy.

1. Only water when it's really needed

Sometimes, the soil can look very dry on the surface, but still has moisture lower down. A good way to test is to poke a finger into the soil. If you find the soil feels damp when you get half a finger length or so down, you can save watering for another day.

2. Water at the right times

It's best to water plants early in the morning or late in the evening if possible. If you water during the hottest part of the day, the water you add can quickly evaporate.

Windy weather can also make water evaporate more quickly. A warm and breezy day tends to dry soil out quicker than any other.

3. Water at the roots

A person waters their plants outdoors using a watering can
A person watering their plants

Plants need water most at their roots - not on their leaves. Try to target as much water as possible at the base of the plant.

The other risk with water on the leaves is that the leaves could get scorched by the sun as the water dries.

4. Soak thoroughly less often

It's better to give your plants a good soaking every so often compared to a light daily sprinkling. Try counting to 20 as you water each plant. This will help get the water down into the soil, helping the plant's roots grow deeper and stronger.

5. Consider bottle top irrigation

Plastic bottles can be recycled to irrigate plants using a bottle irrigation kit. This can be especially useful if you are going away on holiday and want your plants to stay well watered.

6. Keep on top of weeds

A person weeds using a hand fork
A person weeding with a hand fork

By removing weeds, you stop them taking water that your plants need. It's important to add, there's a great debate about what counts as a weed. Really, a weed is just a plant you consider to be in the wrong place. Plenty of plants some people think of as weeds - like nettles - can bring great benefits to wildlife. Some can also grow quickly and take over your flower beds!

Read our guide to the plants most commonly thought of as 'weeds' and decide what's right for your garden.

7. Leave the lawn

The sight of your lovely green lawn turning yellow-brown and crispy may be a bit upsetting. But grass is incredibly resilient. In times of drought, it's best not to worry about watering the lawn. Previous water is better directed to your plants. Sprinklers in particular, though very fun to run through, can be very wasteful of water.

You will be amazed to see how well your lawn recovers and greens up again as soon as any rain arrives.

It's also a good idea to pause mowing when it's very hot, or at least put your blades on the highest setting. Mowing will only stress the grass further.

Knowing how to support your garden during times of drought is important. You can go even further by creating a garden that is better able to tolerate drought in the first place.

Drought resistant gardens tend to be lower maintenance. This can make them easier to manage if you have any challenges with mobility or energy.

1. Install water butts

Water butts
A pair of green water butts

Every year, thousands of litres of rainwater could be collected from your roof. Having water butts placed to collect it makes money-saving as well as environmental sense.

Rainwater is great for most plants, as it is slightly more acidic than tap water. Water stored in butts is also typically warmer than tap water, so is less likely to shock the root system of your plants.

2. Mulch thoroughly

When you add a layer of mulch, you can help conserve moisture in your soil. When adding mulch, you want the soil to be moist - there's little point putting mulch on top of bone dry soil. Make sure your layer of mulch is deep enough - aim for at least 5cm.

There are lots of different types of mulch. Commonly used options are garden compost, well-rotted manure, shredded bark and cocoa shells.

3. Choose drought tolerant plants

Verbena bonarensis
Verbena bonariensis in the garden

You may want to add plants that are better able to cope with dry spells, particularly as our climate changes. Some of the plants that can adapt to drought include:

  • Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'
  • Lavender
  • Lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina)
  • Verbena bonariensis
  • Agapanthus
  • Sedum

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