Drought tolerant gardens

How to design a garden that copes better with dry summers.


Helping your plants survive the summer sun with garden irrigation

Summer is a fantastic season for enjoying your garden, but it can be tough on your plants, particularly when it comes to providing them with sufficient water. With high temperatures and limited rainfall, it’s crucial to ensure your plants are getting the hydration they need to flourish.

To help you prepare your garden for summer, here are some irrigation tips:

Timing is crucial When it comes to watering your plants, timing is critical. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening can help minimize water loss from evaporation and ensure your plants receive the moisture they require to thrive.

Water early in the morning or late in the evening

When it comes to watering your plants, timing is key. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening can help to reduce water loss from evaporation and ensure that your plants have the moisture they need to thrive.

How to find the right watering techniques for your garden

Different plants have different watering requirements, so it’s essential to use the right techniques for each type. For example, shallow-rooted plants like lettuce and spinach require frequent, light watering, while deep-rooted plants like tomatoes and peppers require less frequent, deep watering.

Use drip irrigation

Drip irrigation is an excellent way to conserve water while ensuring your plants receive the necessary moisture. By providing water directly to the roots of your plants, it minimizes water loss from evaporation and runoff.

Mulch to conserve moisture

Mulch to preserve moisture Using mulch around your plants can help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or shredded bark, and ensure it stays away from the stems of your plants.

Monitor soil moisture

Regularly monitor soil moisture It’s critical to keep track of soil moisture to ensure your plants are receiving enough water. Insert your finger into the soil about an inch deep – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Avoid overwatering

Overwatering can be just as harmful to plants as underwatering. It can lead to root rot and other issues, so it’s essential to strike the right balance. Water deeply and infrequently, and only water when necessary.

Install an irrigation system

To eliminate the work and concern, you could install an irrigation system designed and installed by Flourish Landscaping’s professional team. We specialise in installing advanced, easy-to-use irrigation controllers, allowing you to customise your watering times according to your garden requirements.

Although there is an initial cost, installing an irrigation system is the most effective solution to rising temperatures. Once installed, the system will water your garden daily at minimal cost and with virtually no effort. If you have a tank and pump system, you can even add liquid feed to the tank, fertilizing your garden while it’s being watered.

In conclusion, irrigating your plants during spring and summer can be difficult, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can ensure your plants thrive even during the hottest, driest months. By following these tips, you can help your plants stay healthy and productive throughout the summer season.

Let’s create your perfect garden

For help in irrigation installation, Flourish Landscaping is here. We provide expert irrigation implementation across many kinds of gardens – in addition to making sure it’s right for your plants.

Contact us today to arrange a consultation and start transforming your garden into the perfect outdoor space for you and your family.

Related articles

  • Gardening is good – and does good

    Gardening is good – and does good What the RHS 2025 report means for UK gardens Gardening is often seen as a hobby, but the Royal Horticultural Society’s first ever State of Gardening Report 2025 confirms something much bigger. For the first time, the true scale and impact of gardening across the UK has been…

  • Garden centres

    Garden centres How to get the best out of your local garden centre visits. If you enjoy gardening – whether it’s planting out borders, refreshing containers, or just browsing for something new – a good garden centre near is your best friend. And here in southwest London and Surrey, we’re lucky to have some fantastic…

  • Garden pests and diseases

    Garden pests and diseases How to spot, prevent, and deal with common garden problems. Don’t let garden pests and diseases ruin your hard work! In this blog post, we’ll help you identify and tackle some of the most common issues that can plague your plants. From pesky aphids and slugs to fungal infections like powdery…

  • Lawn renovation

    Lawn renovation How to bring a tired, patchy lawn back to life. As Summer fades and Autumn arrives, it’s the perfect time to revive your lawn. A well-planned renovation can help eliminate moss, improve soil health, strengthen the grass, and enhance its colour. This guide covers essential spring lawn care steps, including moss control, aeration,…

  • Echinacea

    Echinacea A tough, reliable perennial that looks great and supports pollinators. Discover the best Echinacea for Kingston gardens, which varieties actually last, how to improve clay soil, and why spring planting makes all the difference. Echinacea is not a shy plant. When it is happy, it stands tall, holds its head high and flowers for…

  • Evergreen structures

    Evergreen structures How to give your garden shape and structure all year round. Evergreen structure is the quiet architecture of a garden. It is the backbone that stays standing through winter storms, summer heat and all the in-between months. When perennials retreat and grasses collapse, it is the evergreens that hold everything together and stop…