{
  "id": 17410504,
  "title": "Hot summer ahead? 10 tips to keep your garden green while saving water",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/hot-summer-ahead-10-tips-to-keep-your-garden-green-while-saving-water",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T14:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/lifestyle/2026-10-31-hot-summer-ahead-10-tips-to-keep-your-garden-green-while-saving-water/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As South Africans brace for another sweltering summer, preserving lush gardens and well-tended plants can prove challenging, especially in regions dealing with scorching, arid conditions and water rationing. Gardening aficionados face a daunting task balancing the heat, erratic water supply interruptions, and soaring water expenses while trying to maintain a flourishing outdoor area. The quandary becomes even more complex for those planning to embark on seasonal getaways, leaving their green companions unattended. However, implementing a few straightforward modifications to your watering regimen, plant choice, and garden maintenance can safeguard your verdant spaces while optimizing water utilization. Craig De Necker, a representative of the acclaimed garden design and landscaping firm The Friendly Plant, offers expert guidance on sustaining gardens in peak condition during the warmer months. When confronted with parched spells, contemplate substituting some water-hungry flora with succulents and other plant species suited for water-conserving gardening. Succulents typically necessitate less frequent watering post-establishment, rendering them a pragmatic choice for eco-conscious horticulturists seeking to curb water usage. Nonetheless, selecting water-adaptable plants constitutes merely one facet of the solution. Grasping each plant's unique watering requisites is equally vital. The manner in which you irrigate your garden can significantly impact the efficacy of moisture absorption by the plants. De Necker advocates for drip irrigation, which delivers water directly into the soil adjacent to plant roots. This approach can diminish water wastage due to evaporation compared to aerial spraying and ensures moisture reaches the areas where plants require it the most. Deep watering, where feasible for the plant and soil type, can also facilitate moisture penetration to the root zone, minimizing the frequency of watering sessions. Johannesburg Water has cautioned residents to water gardens before 6am or post 6pm. Gardeners should verify the most recent directives from their local water supplier, as limitations and authorized watering windows may differ by municipality. In areas where restrictions are enforced, ensure your watering routine aligns with the guidelines in your region. Not every plant bears identical watering demands. Bonsais, orchids, and other delicate cultivars may necessitate more diligent supervision than established succulents or drought-tolerant garden plants. Familiarize yourself with each plant's requirements and tailor your routine accordingly instead of dispensing the same volume of water across the entire garden. Keep an eye out for indicators such as dry, brittle foliage, wilting, parched soil, and leaves curling, although symptoms may vary among species. Regularly inspect the soil and observe any changes in your plants before the damage escalates to an irreversible extent. While it may be tempting to inundate plants with water during a heatwave, excessive watering is not always advantageous. Overwatering can inundate roots in saturated soil, potentially leading to root damage and other plant health predicaments. Drooping leaves may not necessarily signify thirst; they may also denote excessive watering. Prior to reaching for the hose, verify the soil. It should align with the plant's needs, featuring adequate moisture and drainage rather than remaining waterlogged. A well-kept irrigation system can facilitate efficient water usage management; however, leaks, fractured pipes, and obstructed emitters can undermine its efficacy. Inspect your system regularly to guarantee water reaches the designated areas and that there are no needless losses. If financial constraints permit, a Wi-Fi-enabled irrigation system can afford additional adaptability. Certain systems enable you to modify watering schedules remotely in response to shifting weather conditions. For instance, you could lessen or suspend watering when precipitation is anticipated, or modify the schedule during an extended hot spell, provided this is consistent with local water restrictions. Abandoning your garden unaccompanied while traveling need not result in wilted leaves and parched pots. A bit of pre-departure preparation can equip your plants to endure your absence. Adding a layer of mulch, such as compatible bark chips or other garden mulch, can assist in curbing evaporation and maintaining soil temperatures. Apply mulch encircling plants while ensuring it does not make direct contact with stems and trunks where appropriate. The layer aids in moisture retention within the soil, which can prove invaluable during hot weather. Supply potted plants with a thorough watering before departure, permitting excess water to drain appropriately. The duration they can persist without supplementary watering hinges on the plant species, pot size, soil, location, and weather conditions. Plants in diminutive containers or subjected to direct afternoon sun may dry out considerably faster than those in larger pots or sheltered locales. If you will be away for an extended duration, enlist the aid of a neighbor to monitor them or arrange a suitable watering system. Potted plants can swiftly dehydrate during summer, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight and gusty winds. Assess whether your pots are situated to capitalize on rainfall. Containers nestled beneath roof overhangs or adjacent to walls may receive scant or no rainfall even when the remainder of the garden receives a substantial soaking. Relocating vulnerable plants to a sunnier and more ventilated location can aid, but ensure their new location still caters to their specific sunlight and airflow requirements.",
  "summary": "Keep your garden healthy during a hot, dry South African summer with 10 water-wise gardening tips, from choosing succulents and using mulch to preparing potted plants before going on holiday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Substitute water-hungry plants with succulents for water conservation",
    "Irrigate using drip irrigation to minimize evaporation and optimize absorption",
    "Water gardens early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}