Have you ever wondered how your garden can stay lush and vibrant, even during those long, dry spells? Imagine stepping outside to a garden that seems to defy the harsh summer heat, where every plant flourishes, even when water is scarce. The secret lies in embracing nature’s own rhythms rather than fighting against them.
We’ve gathered insights from seasoned experts who’ve mastered the art of drought-resistant gardening. They’ve shared a range of innovative strategies that can help you transform your outdoor space into a sustainable oasis. From smart irrigation techniques that target exactly where your plants need moisture, to choosing native species that are naturally resilient, these tips will not only reduce your watering needs but also boost your garden’s overall health. Whether you’re a long-time gardener or just starting out, the tips from these experts will equip you with practical methods to nurture a thriving garden, even in the face of extreme dryness.
1. Invest in Drip Irrigation
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According to Gene Caballero, co-founder of Your Green Pal and a 25-year veteran of the landscaping industry, “Drip irrigation systems provide a better watering solution than sprinklers.”
How does this help? Instead of wasting water through evaporation or runoff, a drip system delivers moisture right where your plants need it: the base. This can help reduce water usage while keeping your garden hydrated so it can survive more easily against drought.
2. Go Native
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Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, says that one of the most important aspects of keeping your garden drought-resistant is to choose the right plants. “One of the best ways to do this is by focusing on planting either plants that are known to be drought resistant or planting ones that are native to your specific climate.”
Native plants, namely those that already grow in your area, tend to need less human intervention to survive as they are already built for the locale’s weather and are more naturally suited for the environment. Start by identifying plants that will thrive in your area with minimal watering. You can do this by reaching out to your local Ag agency or doing your research online.
3. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!
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When we spoke to Lisa Brooks, an expert in garden edging and founder of 2xEdge, she highlighted mulch’s versatility and importance in fighting drought’s effects. Organic mulch, such as wood chips or pine needles, creates a protective barrier that helps lock in soil moisture, prevents weeds, and improves the soil over time. On the other hand, inorganic mulch, like gravel or river rock, can be a long-lasting solution for pathways or non-plant areas.
“Choosing the right type of mulch depends on your project goals, but either way, mulch combats soil erosion and helps preserve moisture,” Lisa explains. And if there is one thing anyone needs help with in a drought-stricken area, it is keeping in as much moisture as possible.
4. Companion Planting
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Another value tip straight from Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter, is to “plant things closer together. Companion planting — selecting plants that won’t compete for nutrients and thrive together — reduces exposed soil, meaning less water is lost to evaporation.”
What this means is you want plants that can grow pretty much on top of one another. This could mean a ground-cover plant like creeping thyme combined with a taller growing shade bush like lavender, so you are doing double growing duty in one space. This practice creates a natural shield for your plants, offering them protection from extreme heat.
5. Stop Over-Pruning
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Siobhan Shaw from Growing to Give shares this advice: “Put the clippers down!” It might seem like a smart idea to cut back your plants so they use up less water, but you’re actually doing the opposite.
Over-pruning can stress your plants and make them consume more water. Instead, allow your plants to grow more naturally so that they can adapt to the challenges of a hotter and drier environment without increasing their need for water.
6. Water at the Right Time
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Did you know that the time of day you water your garden could have a huge impact on how much water is absorbed into the roots? According to South Dakota State University, we should water our plants early in the morning, just after the sun has risen, or later in the afternoon, after the sun has set.
This is important because, during the day, when the sun is at its brightest, it is also at its hottest. That means your watering efforts might be wasted, as more of it is being evaporated than getting down into the soil. Try watering from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for maximum watering efficiency.
7. Healthy Soil is a Non-Negotiable
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“Healthy soil equals happy plants,” stresses Shaw. You want to incorporate compost into your soil to increase its nutrient content while also improving its ability to hold on to and lock in moisture.
Why does soil matter so much when we are talking about making our plants drought-tolerant? Properly nourished soil helps ensure your plants can thrive even with minimal watering. Healthier soil is also better at protecting a plant’s roots, allowing it to focus solely on taking in water and nutrients rather than struggling to stay alive.
8. Plan for the Seasons
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Mimi Nguyen from Cafely recommends timing your planting for the best success. “Plant between November and February to allow enough time for your plants to get used to their new environment and be prepared to face and survive in the summer heat.” Planting in the cooler months gives your garden the best chance to establish roots before drought conditions kick in.
9. Go For An Alternative
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If you are seriously struggling with keeping your plants alive and healthy during drought season, it might be time to go with an alternative. Hardscaping, as opposed to landscaping, involves bringing in non-greenery such as stone pathways, rock gardens, paver patios, or even replacing grass with turf.
While you may be losing out on flowers, hardscaping is a great alternative if you live somewhere your plants would otherwise struggle. It allows you to still make use of the space without ballooning your watering bill or forcing you to return to the store when your plants die yet again.
10. Keep Your Lawn at the Right Height
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“Avoid cutting your lawn too short,” adds Nguyen. Longer grass provides more shade for the soil below, which can help minimize evaporation and keep roots cooler. While the tips might get a bit brown, you can rest assured that the soil and roots below are still quite happy and healthy. It is a small adjustment that can make a huge difference in how your lawn handles drought stress.
