The Secrets of Water Efficient Gardening

Smart Gardening for Hot, Dry Summers

Gardening the water wise way is especially important during Cape Town's long, hot summers, when high temperatures and dry conditions can make keeping a garden healthy and good-looking both challenging and costly. That is: if you don't know how...

Let's show you how to make every drop count in the garden!

When is the best time to water?

Early morning is the best time to water the garden, as it allows plants sufficient moisture to get through the heat of the day.
When water is applied in the middle of the day, much of it is lost through evaporation.

How much water?

In dry conditions, it is best to water plants and soil thoroughly, or not at all. If only the top couple of centimetres of the ground are dampened, plants will develop roots in this shallow layer, where they are even more vulnerable to the drying effects of the sun. Aim to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 30cm. Roots will then be encouraged to grow downwards into a layer of soil that is insulated from the sun and will remain damp for much longer.

Know when to water

Knowing when an area requires watering takes practice. Factors such as temperature, soil type and time of day all play a role. The best test is always the finger test – feel the soil to a depth of a few centimetres. Sometimes the soil surface looks dry, but it may still be moist further down.
You can also use a bamboo stick or a thin piece of wire in the same way – if there is moist soil on the stick when you remove it, it is not yet time to water.

Deep watering vs. frequent shallow watering

More water less often is better than frequent shallow watering, as it encourages plants to develop deeper root systems. Roots that remain close to the surface dry out quickly when water is limited.

Second-hand water

Use recycled bath and washing water on lawns and gardens. Bath water may need to be siphoned out of a window or carried out by bucket. Diversion valves are available from plumbing suppliers to direct water from washing machines into the garden.
As some washing powders and detergents contain high levels of phosphorus and boron, choose products low in these ingredients. Alternatively, use only the final rinse water. Apply greywater to different areas to avoid salt build-up in the soil, and alternate with tap water.

Terracing to trap rain

Water gathers speed as it flows downhill, scouring land and eroding topsoil. Terracing slows this flow and allows more water to soak into the soil. Water is absorbed more readily in a level garden than on a slope.

Improving the soil structure

Quick-draining sandy soil retains little moisture and requires more frequent watering than clay soils. Incorporating compost, mulching and using water-retaining crystals will improve the soil’s ability to hold moisture.

Mulch to retain moisture

A thick layer of mulch over bare soil and around plants (including trees) helps retain soil moisture. Apply mulch while the soil is moist, for example after watering or rainfall. Cover beds and borders with a rich organic mulch at least 10cm thick (but do remember to keep the main stems of plants open). Besides benefiting plants and soil, mulch significantly reduces water loss.

Size of the lawn

Reduce the size of your lawn and replace it with hardy ground covers or hard landscaping such as brick paving, cobbles, pavers or gravel.

Let the lawn look after itself

During drought periods, mow lawns with the mower blades set high, or avoid mowing altogether. The more leaf area left, the longer the lawn will stay green. Grass will recover quickly once rainfall returns.

Choose the right plants

Hot, dry areas are often seen as difficult to plant, yet many beautiful indigenous South African plants can thrive in these conditions. Plants from desert regions or areas with low rainfall elsewhere in the world can also perform well.
It is even possible to create a successful dry garden that relies solely on natural rainfall once established.

Succulents

Succulents (including cacti) are well adapted to dry conditions, storing water in their leaves, stems or roots for use during drought. Their dramatic shapes, textures and colours make them exciting garden plants.
Think of the eye-catching colours of the many different vygies available. Yuccas, agaves, aloes and portulacarias create strong sculptural forms against walls or open sky, while crassulas, echeverias, euphorbias, kalanchoes and sedums look striking among rocks and stones.

Indigenous South African plants

A wide range of South African plants are naturally drought resistant. When planning your garden, start with plants endemic to your rainfall area. Once established, these plants require minimal watering, as they are adapted to local conditions.

Look for these characteristics when selecting plants:

• Succulent leaves: Bulbine 

• Small leaves: Many buchus (Agathosma), confetti bush (Coleonema), Felicia

• Hairy leaves: Arctotis 

• Foliage colour: blue-green or grey

• Fleshy root systems: Agapanthus 

• Deep, strong root systems: Plumbago auriculata

Companion planting

Save water by grouping plants according to their water needs. When planning your garden, grade plants according to how much water they require.

Strong, healthy plants

Healthy plants tolerate dry periods better than weak, soft growth caused by excessive nitrogen. Wherever possible, use organic fertilisers.

Windbreaks

Use windbreaks to reduce drying winds, which can significantly increase water loss from plants and soil.

Casting cool shade

Trees and taller shrubs create shade that helps reduce evaporation and protect smaller plants from extreme heat.   

Let's garden the water wise way!

Water wise gardening is not about compromise, but rather about smarter choices that support both your garden and our precious water resources. 

With thoughtful watering, soil care and the correct plant selection, it is indeed possible to maintain a healthy, attractive garden while using significantly less water - even through the hottest months. 

Visit a Cape Garden store and let our knowledgeable staff give you guidance on the best plant choices and products to use to create the most beautiful water wise garden to be proud of!