Water-Wise, Not Worn-Out: How to Keep Your Garden Alive (and Lovely) All Summer
Does it feel like your summer garden is more of a burden than a joy? You’re not alone! Our hot, dry summers in the valley catch many people by surprise. By July, even the most enthusiastic plant lovers find themselves locked in a battle with wilted leaves, dry mulch, and increasing water bills. But there’s good news: a few strategic shifts can keep your plants thriving.
Start With the Soil
Healthy soil is the original irrigation system. Think of compost-rich soil as a sponge—it holds moisture longer, even on hot days. If your garden beds are dry just a few hours after watering, odds are the soil needs a boost. When winter rains that give us our lush forests go on hiatus each year, our predominantly clay soils begin to contract and dry out, making it difficult for plants to access water and thrive in the heat. When this problem arises, mulch is your unsung hero to save the day (and your garden).
A 2–4 inch layer of shredded bark, straw, or leaf mulch keeps soil cool, reduces water loss, and suppresses weeds. Avoid piling mulch against plant stems (which can cause rot), but do cover as much bare soil as possible. Mulch counteracts the problems most clay soils have—it acts as an insulating blanket and holds moisture, keeping the clay from desiccating and drying out past the point of no return. Meanwhile, beneficial soil organisms feed on the organic materia, breaking it down and incorporating it into the soil which improves long-term water holding capacity. This helps you both now and in the future; your plants will thank you, and so will your water bill.
How you water makes all the difference
It’s tempting to give plants a quick drink every day, especially when the sun is relentless. But this encourages plants to grow shallow roots that dry out faster. Instead, aim for deep, infrequent watering—ideally in the early morning, before the heat sets in. This allows water to soak in and reduces evaporation. However if you have hard-pan, dry clay soil, the water is incapable of soaking into the ground until the clay has a chance to rehydrate. If that is the case for you— frequent, short exposure to water (4 times per day at 5 minutes each) is a great way to rehydrate the clay without all the water running off and being wasted. Once it rehydrates, you can continue with the deep soak method. Typically one inch of water per week, applied slowly and deeply will support most established garden plants.
Right Plant, Right Place
Some water woes can be traced back to poor plant placement. A shade-loving fern in full sun is never going to be happy, no matter how much you water. Use plant groupings to your advantage: cluster drought-tolerant plants in the driest areas, and reserve your most hydrated spots for thirsty vegetables or ornamentals. Consider native and climate-adapted species—they’ve evolved to handle dry spells without constant attention.
Dial In Your Irrigation
If you use a sprinkler or drip system, take time in early summer to tune it up. Check for clogged emitters, misaligned heads, or leaks that may be wasting water. Watering in the early morning (ideally before 9 a.m.) not only conserves water but also helps prevent mildew and disease.
Don’t Mistake Heat Stress for Thirst
When a plant wilts during peak sun but perks up again in the evening, it may be reacting to heat, not dehydration. Before reaching for the hose, check the soil about 2–3 inches down. If it’s still moist, hold off.
A Better Summer Garden Starts Now
With a few thoughtful adjustments, your garden can stay lush and inviting all season long. Water-wise gardening isn’t just about conserving resources. It’s about creating a landscape that works with nature, not against it.
A water-wise landscape. Photo courtesy of Phillip Farris
Thanks for the tips, Phillip! When Phillip Farris isn’t prepping garden beds and growing plants, he’s helping homeowners connect their landscape projects with the ecological realities of where we live as the Eugene Garden Coach. To learn more about what he does and how he can help you create climate-resilient gardens using naturalistic design, visit his website at https://www.eugenegardencoach.com