Summer Watering Strategies for a Lush Garden
Watering Your Garden: A Guide to Drought-Tolerant Plants and Watering Frequency
Gardening during the summer months can be a challenge, especially when it comes to watering. Different plants have different watering needs, and understanding these requirements is essential for maintaining a healthy and thriving garden. Here's a guide to some popular plants and their watering preferences.
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Some plants are well-adapted to dry conditions and require minimal watering. These include Yarrow (Achillea spp.), Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.), Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.), Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.), Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia), Rockrose (Cistus spp.), Helianthemum, Sedum, Stipa, Gaura, Santolina, Ballota, and Periwinkles.
Established drought-tolerant plants generally require minimal to moderate watering, often thriving on natural rainfall or supplemental watering about once every one to two weeks during dry spells. Newly planted drought-tolerant plants need more frequent watering during their establishment phase, typically every one to two weeks, adjusted based on weather and soil moisture.
However, it's important to note that overwatering can be detrimental to some plants, such as Lavender, which generally requires very little to no supplemental watering in summer once established. Yarrow, with a deep root system, prefers hot and dry conditions but may need supplemental watering if rainfall is less than an inch per week during summer.
Moisture-Loving Plants
On the other hand, some plants require plenty of water. Irises ensata and siberica* require lots of water, as do large, thin-leaved subtropical plants and ferns. Cucumbers, tomatoes, and veg crops like spinach, lettuce, and celery will suffer if left to dry out. Roses can also suffer from dry conditions and are prone to mildew.
Watering Frequency
The watering frequency for your plants depends on their maturity and local rainfall. Established drought-tolerant plants typically require watering every 1–2 weeks when dry, while moisture-loving perennials need watering more frequently. Bedding plants, with their shallow root systems, need watering regularly, as do fruit trees on dwarfing rootstocks.
Some plants, such as Agaves, only need infrequent rain, while others, like Euphorbia, are drought-resistant. Bog plants are moisture-loving and need watering, while ornamental willows can tolerate dry conditions but will suffer if left dry for long.
Special Considerations
Some plants have specific watering needs. For instance, Verbascums thrive in dry soil where others can't cope. Shallow-rooted shrubs like camellias should be watered during long, dry spells. Garden peas need watering when pods swell in dry weather. Clematis requires watering every fortnight. Tree ferns should have their trunks watered daily.
In summary, watering drought-tolerant plants in summer depends on their maturity and local rainfall but typically ranges from minimal to moderate watering every 1–2 weeks when dry, ensuring not to overwater sensitive species like lavender. Moisture-loving perennials need watering, bedding plants have shallow root systems and need watering, and fruit trees on dwarfing rootstocks should be watered during long, dry spells. Always research the specific watering needs of your plants to ensure they receive the right amount of water for optimal growth.
[1] Gardening Know How. (2021). Drought-Tolerant Plants for Summer Gardens. [online] Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how/plant-propagation/propagating-plants-from-cuttings/drought-tolerant-plants-for-summer-gardens.htm
[2] The Spruce. (2021). Drought-Tolerant Plants for Hot and Dry Conditions. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/drought-tolerant-plants-for-hot-and-dry-conditions-2132718
[3] The Spruce. (2021). How to Water Lavender Plants. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-water-lavender-plants-2132723
[4] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021). Watering Drought-Tolerant Plants. [online] Available at: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/watering-drought-tolerant-plants
A home-and-garden lifestyle that includes gardening can benefit from an incorporation of drought-tolerant plants in the garden to minimize watering during summer months. Popular drought-tolerant plants, such as Yarrow, Lavender, Mountain Mint, and Helianthemum, typically thrive on natural rainfall or supplemental watering about once every one to two weeks during dry spells.
Integrating these water-wise plants into your home-and-garden design not only adds beauty but also helps conserve water and simplify routine maintenance.
