Summer Watering Guide for Green Thumbs: Tips and Tricks for a Vibrant Garden
Garden News: Drought-Tolerant Plants for a Thriving Garden
In the heart of summer, keeping your garden lush and vibrant can be a challenge, especially during dry spells. But fear not, gardeners! This newsletter is here to provide advice and inspiration for those looking to create a resilient garden that can withstand the heat.
Firstly, let's talk about some excellent drought-tolerant plants for your garden. Lavender (Lavandula), with its fragrant evergreen perennial nature, thrives in full sun and dry soil, requiring very little to no supplemental summer water once established.
Another low-maintenance gem is the Desert Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), a shrub that flourishes in full sun and dry, rocky or sandy soils, with low water needs.
Sedum, with their succulent leaves that store water, are very drought-resistant and available in various colors and textures. Agave, with their bold, spiky appearance and efficient water storage, are also great choices.
Rockrose (Cistus), evergreen shrubs that handle heat well, bloom throughout summer, are low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant, needing minimal irrigation.
Remember, established drought-tolerant plants generally require very infrequent watering since they are adapted to dry conditions. Most drought-tolerant species benefit from deep but infrequent watering that encourages roots to grow deeper.
However, not all plants are created equal. Plants like Brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts) require frequent watering. Similarly, Bog plants, moisture-loving perennials, and vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and celery will suffer if left to dry out.
It's also important to note that some plants, like Roses, Hydrangeas, and Tomatoes, require more frequent watering to avoid dry conditions that encourage mildew.
When it comes to watering, prioritizing which plants to water can save time and water. For instance, seedlings, cuttings, young plants, and anything recently planted, as well as for plants in a greenhouse or conservatory like tomatoes and cucumbers, and tree ferns (water the trunk daily), need more attention.
But there's good news for those who prefer a more hands-off approach. Plants like Gaura, Periwinkles, Aeoniums, Thyme, Verbena, Verbascums, and Nepeta are born survivors that thrive on neglect.
Lastly, parts of the garden can be left unwatered to allow tough plants like verbascums to thrive. Don't water mature trees, shrubs, and hedges - it's a waste.
Sign up to receive our newsletter and stay informed about the best drought-tolerant plants, watering tips, and more. Unsubscribing is possible at any time. Please note that our newsletter is protected by reCAPTCHA, and its use is subject to Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Happy gardening!
References: [1] Desert Mallow [2] Drought-Tolerant Plants for a Garden [3] Drought-Tolerant Plants: A Guide [4] Drought-Tolerant Plants: A Comprehensive Guide
Incorporating sustainable living into your home-and-garden, consider adopting an outdoor-living lifestyle by introducing drought-tolerant plants such as Lavender, Desert Mallow, Sedum, Agave, and Rockrose. These plants, particularly suitable for a resilient garden that can withstand the heat, require minimal watering once established, promoting a gardening practice aligning with sustainable-living principles.
