Summer in South Africa is a challenging time for gardens. 

Whether you’re battling the Western Cape’s dry heat or Gauteng’s unpredictable thunderstorms, smart watering is the key to keeping your green sanctuary thriving.

Stick to these basic rules for watering to keep your garden happy and providing hours of fun and relaxation this summer. 

Rule 1: Strategically time your watering

Timing is everything when it comes to garden hydration. 

The golden hours for watering are between 4:00 and 6:00am – before the summer heat transforms your water into vapour. Early-morning watering allows moisture to penetrate deep into the soil, giving plant roots time to absorb it before the day’s heat sets in.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s better to water in the morning instead of the evening. Wet leaves overnight create a breeding ground for fungal diseases, and the cooler temperatures mean water can tend to sit on plant surfaces instead of being absorbed.

Rule 2: Understand the deep and infrequent principle

Forget frequent light sprinklings. 

The secret to robust, resilient plants is deep, infrequent watering. Aim to water 2 to 3 centimetres deeply, but only once or twice a week. This technique encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, creating plants that are more drought-resistant and stronger.

Think of it like training for a marathon. Short, frequent waterings create shallow-rooted plants that are essentially garden weaklings. Deep watering creates ‘plant athletes’ that can withstand temperature extremes and periods of limited moisture.

Rule 3: Mulch is your garden’s best defence

Mulch is the unsung hero of water conservation. 

A thick layer of organic mulch – think bark chips, compost, or dried grass clippings – can reduce water evaporation by up to 70%. It’s like giving your soil a protective blanket that keeps moisture locked in and temperatures down.

Apply a 5- to 7-centimetre layer around your plants, being careful to keep the mulch slightly away from plant stems to prevent rotting. This simple technique reduces water usage, suppresses weeds, and helps maintain a consistent soil temperature.

Browse our mulch options here.

Rule 4: Go indigenous and water-wise

Indigenous plants aren’t just a pretty face – they’re water-saving champions. 

Species like proteas, aloes and restios have evolved to handle our challenging climate and will reward you with minimal water requirements. 

These indigenous superstars are adapted to local conditions and can survive with significantly less water than exotic imports.

When planning your garden, prioritise water-wise indigenous plants. They’ll not only survive our harsh summers but will look absolutely stunning with minimal intervention.

Rule 5: Embrace technology and smart watering 

Invest in smart irrigation solutions that can cut your water usage by up to 50%. 

Drip irrigation systems, smart controllers and rain sensors can precisely manage your garden’s water needs, ensuring every drop counts.

For those in areas with occasional rainfall, consider installing a rainwater harvesting system. 

A 5 000-litre tank can be a total game-changer, capturing those precious afternoon thunderstorms for Gauteng gardens in summer and Cape gardens in winter, providing a sustainable water source for weeks to come.

Learn more about how to collect rainwater for plants here.

A final drop of water wisdom

Successful summer gardening is about adaptation and understanding your local environment. 

Whether you’re in a Cape Town courtyard or a Sandton suburban garden, these rules will help you create a resilient, water-wise landscape that thrives despite the challenges. If you’re even in need of tailored advice for keeping your garden water wise and thriving, chat with our helpful, friendly Consultants on Call, or get advice in-store.

Stay cool, stay hydrated – and may your garden do the same!