SUMMER WATERING: HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PLANTS WITHOUT WASTING WATER

Summer is one of the most beautiful times of the year to enjoy a garden or terrace, but it is also one of the most demanding seasons for plants. High temperatures, direct sunlight, dry wind and evaporation make water disappear from the soil more quickly and can put many plants under stress.

Watering more does not always mean watering better. In fact, one of the most common mistakes in summer is assuming that every plant needs water every day. The key is to observe, understand the type of plant, check the moisture in the substrate and apply water at the right time.

What is the best time to water in summer?

The best time to water plants in summer is usually early in the morning. At that time, the soil is cooler, evaporation is lower and the roots can absorb water more effectively before the strongest heat of the day arrives.

Watering directly onto the soil, rather than over the leaves, also helps make better use of every litre of water. The aim is not to soak the plant from above, but to bring moisture to the area where it is really needed: the roots.

Watering at night may seem like a good idea, but it is not always the best option. In some plants, leaving leaves and stems wet for many hours can encourage fungal problems or issues caused by excess humidity. Whenever possible, it is better to avoid both the hottest hours of the day and excessive night-time watering.

Deep watering: less often, but better

A superficial watering wets the top layer of the substrate, but it does not always reach the area that matters most. In summer, it is better to choose deeper and more spaced-out watering, especially for established garden plants.

This type of watering encourages roots to seek moisture in deeper layers of soil and helps the plant become more resistant to heat. On the other hand, if we water very little and very often, roots tend to remain close to the surface, where the soil dries out more quickly.

In pots, the situation is different. There is less soil volume, the substrate heats up faster and water is lost more quickly. That is why plants on terraces, balconies and in planters usually need to be checked more frequently than those planted directly in the ground.

How to know if a plant needs water

Before watering out of habit, it is worth checking the real condition of the substrate. A simple way to do this is to insert a finger a few centimetres into the soil. If the surface is dry but there is still moisture underneath, watering may not yet be necessary.

If the substrate is dry in depth, the plant needs water. It is also useful to observe the leaves: if they are drooping, soft or curled, this may be a sign of lack of hydration. Even so, not all symptoms are caused by a lack of water. Overwatering can also lead to yellow leaves, damaged roots and weakened plants.

That is why, in summer, it is important to observe before acting. Plants usually give signals, but those signals need to be interpreted carefully.

Practical tips to save water in summer

Mulching is one of the best allies for the garden in summer. A layer of bark, straw, dry leaves, decorative gravel or organic material helps conserve moisture, protects the roots and reduces sudden temperature changes in the soil.

It is also advisable to group plants according to their water needs. It makes little sense to place Mediterranean species, such as lavender, rosemary or thyme, next to plants that need constant moisture. When each area of the garden or terrace contains plants with similar needs, watering becomes much more efficient.

On terraces, choosing larger pots, using quality substrates and avoiding very small containers helps moisture last longer. Terracotta pots breathe more and may dry out sooner, while other materials can retain moisture for a little longer.

Good watering starts with choosing the right plants

A beautiful garden does not have to depend on high water consumption. Choosing species that are adapted to heat, sunlight and dry periods is becoming increasingly important.

Mediterranean plants, aromatic herbs, resistant perennials, hardy shrubs and species adapted to the local climate can provide colour, texture and life with much more sustainable maintenance.

At The Original Garden, we focus on plants designed for real gardens and terraces: spaces that need to be beautiful, but also resilient, efficient and ready for increasingly demanding summers.

Conclusion

Watering in summer is not about using more water, but about using it better. Watering early in the morning, checking substrate moisture, avoiding excess, protecting the soil and choosing adapted plants can make the difference between a garden that merely survives the summer and one that truly enjoys it.