Summer in full swing means bright blooms, green leaves, and lazy afternoons in the garden. But it also means those blazing heatwaves that can leave even the toughest plants wilting. Don’t worry; you can keep your garden thriving with some smart, water-wise strategies. Here’s your go-to guide for keeping every green patch lush without breaking a sweat or using up buckets of water. And yes, Garden Master’s range of watering tools and mulching solutions has got your back.
-
Choose Plants That Can Handle the Heat
Start with plants that naturally thrive in our South African climate, especially indigenous varieties that know how to make the most of every drop. Local heroes like Pelargonium and Spekboom not only look fantastic, but they’re also built for resilience, needing less water while keeping the garden colourful and full of life. Plus, indigenous plants tend to attract local wildlife—think butterflies and birds—adding extra life to your garden. Speaking of which, we’ve got a handy guide to turning your garden into a wildlife haven. Check it out here!
Pro Tip: Group your drought-tolerant plants together in one section to streamline watering and care. Not only will this help you save water, but it’s also an easy way to create a cohesive look.
-
Mulch Like a Pro
Mulch is your garden’s best friend during summer. A good layer of mulch acts as a barrier, locking in moisture and keeping roots cool. Plus, it helps prevent those pesky weeds from stealing water away from your plants. Garden Master offers various mulching options, from organic wood chips to compost, all designed to create a barrier that protects plants from heat and water loss.
How to Mulch: Apply a thick layer—about 5-8 cm—around the base of your plants, covering as much soil as possible. Be careful not to pile it right against the stems, as this can cause rot. Your plants will thank you with greener leaves and healthier blooms.
-
Water Smarter, Not Harder
Strategic watering is key to a healthy, hydrated garden. Instead of frequent, shallow watering, give your plants a deep soak early in the morning or late in the evening. This gives roots time to absorb moisture without losing it to evaporation. A gentle hose nozzle or adjustable sprinkler lets you water just the right amount, whether it’s a light mist for delicate leaves or a more direct stream for thirsty roots. With our range of watering tools, we’ve got you (and your plants) covered.
Garden Hack: Use a watering can or hose with a fine spray attachment to give plants a deep, thorough soak less frequently, focusing on the soil around the base of plants rather than the leaves. This directs water where it’s needed most and encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more resilient to heat. To save even more, fill buckets or watering cans after rain showers and let them sit nearby for easy access during dry spells.
-
Rainwater Harvesting
Why let rainwater go to waste? With a rainwater tank, you can collect and store every precious drop that falls during summer showers. Garden Master has compact, user-friendly rainwater harvesting solutions that fit into small spaces. Use this stored water for hand-watering during drier weeks, and you’ll reduce your reliance on tap water while giving your plants a treat straight from nature.
Quick Setup: Connect a rainwater tank to your downspout for a steady supply of water ready for those extra-hot days when your garden needs a little TLC.
-
Use Shade Strategically
The summer sun can be intense, so think about where you can add shade, especially for plants that are sensitive to direct sunlight. Shade cloth, strategically placed trees, or even a well-positioned patio umbrella can protect tender plants from heat stress. Some people also opt to create a ‘shade corridor’ by grouping taller plants to shield smaller ones from direct sun.
Bonus Tip: For potted plants, simply move them to shaded areas or under eaves when temperatures soar. A little relief from direct sunlight can make all the difference.
-
Go Easy on the Fertiliser
Summer might seem like the perfect time to feed your plants, but over-fertilising can stress them out, especially during hot spells. Too many nutrients can spur growth that requires even more water, leaving plants thirsty and susceptible to wilting. Instead, apply a slow-release fertiliser early in the season and let the mulch and compost enrich your soil naturally over time.
Summer Fertilising Tip: If you must fertilise, go for a light, balanced feed and do it in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid adding stress during the hottest part of the day. Garden Master’s Bio Fertiliser strikes the perfect balance and will leave your plants happy and hydrated!
Bring on Summer!
Water-wise gardening doesn’t mean sacrificing a lush, beautiful garden. With indigenous plants, a bit of mulch, efficient watering, and a few smart tools from Garden Master (available at a Makro, Game or Builders near you), you can keep every leaf, stem, and bloom healthy all summer long. So go ahead, get out there, and show that heatwave who’s boss!
