Hot, dry summers are becoming more common in Slovakia, and garden owners are facing new challenges. A lack of rainfall, high temperatures, and dry soil can destroy even the most carefully maintained greenery. If you want to protect your garden from drought while keeping it beautiful and functional, you’ll need to change your maintenance strategy. In this article, we’ll look at tried and tested methods for combating drought, and share an interesting tip on how a gabion fence can help retain moisture and create a favourable microclimate.
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to retain moisture in the soil. It involves covering the soil surface with organic or inorganic material that reduces evaporation, protects roots from extreme temperatures, and suppresses weed growth. Common mulch materials include wood chips, straw, compost, bark, gravel, and decorative stones.
Besides conserving water, mulch also improves the appearance of your garden – giving it a tidier and more professional look. Apply mulch in a layer at least 5 cm thick and replenish it regularly, especially if using organic materials that break down over time.
Traditional daily watering isn’t efficient and often leads to water waste. A much better method is deep watering – less frequently, but thoroughly. This encourages plants to develop deeper root systems that are more resilient to drought.
The ideal solution is a drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to plant roots without unnecessary losses. Water early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower and evaporation is minimal. Don’t forget to use rain sensors or timers to automate the process and avoid overwatering.
When planning your planting scheme, focus on species that can cope with limited water. Drought-resistant plants tend to have deep roots, waxy leaves or fine hairs that reduce water loss. Excellent choices include lavender, rosemary, sage, echinacea, irises, junipers, and many types of ornamental grasses.
Also consider native plants – they’re adapted to local conditions and require less care. Group drought-tolerant plants together to create beds with similar moisture needs.
Success starts with the soil. While you can’t change the basic type of soil in your garden, you can improve its ability to retain moisture. Adding compost, peat, clay minerals or biohumus regularly increases organic matter content, helping the soil hold both water and nutrients.
Very sandy soils, which dry out quickly, benefit from amendments that improve cohesion and reduce permeability. In contrast, heavy clay soils need aeration – try mixing in sand or small gravel to loosen the structure.
Strong sunlight can scorch leaves and rapidly dry out the soil. It’s important to create shaded areas in the garden – either naturally with trees and shrubs or artificially with shade nets, pergolas or screens.
An interesting option is a gabion fence, which not only serves a decorative and protective purpose but also plays an important microclimatic role. The stone filling absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly, acting as a natural thermal regulator. It also creates a windbreak that helps reduce soil moisture loss. Combined with climbing plants or a shading net, it can provide ideal conditions for more delicate plants.
Harvesting rainwater is one of the most important steps in fighting drought. A water tank or barrel placed under the gutter can store enough water for several weeks. Rainwater is ideal for plants – it’s soft, chlorine-free and naturally warm.
If you have a larger garden, consider installing an underground retention tank or garden pond – it can serve both a practical and decorative function. Rainwater systems can be easily connected to drip irrigation for an efficient and eco-friendly water cycle.
Weeds don’t just spoil the appearance of the garden – they also compete with your plants for water and nutrients. During dry periods, every drop counts, so it’s worth taking the time for regular weeding, ideally before the weeds flower and set seed.
Once again, mulching proves its worth – it plays a key role in weed control by creating unfavourable conditions for germination and significantly reducing the need for manual weeding.
Drought is a challenge, but not an unsolvable problem. With the right approach, plant selection, soil improvement, and modern solutions, your garden can survive long periods without rain. Remember – every drop of water counts, and features like a gabion fence can be both beautiful and functionally ecological.
A garden prepared for drought will be healthier, more resilient, and more beautiful too. Exactly the kind you deserve.
Need help choosing the right fencing? Contact us – we’ll be happy to help you decide.
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Hot, dry summers are becoming more common in Slovakia, and garden owners are facing new challenges. A lack of rainfall, high temperatures, and dry soil can destroy even the most carefully maintained greenery. If you want to protect your garden from drought while keeping it beautiful and functional, you’ll need to change your maintenance strategy. In this article, we’ll look at tried and tested methods for combating drought, and share an interesting tip on how a gabion fence can help retain moisture and create a favourable microclimate.
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to retain moisture in the soil. It involves covering the soil surface with organic or inorganic material that reduces evaporation, protects roots from extreme temperatures, and suppresses weed growth. Common mulch materials include wood chips, straw, compost, bark, gravel, and decorative stones.
Besides conserving water, mulch also improves the appearance of your garden – giving it a tidier and more professional look. Apply mulch in a layer at least 5 cm thick and replenish it regularly, especially if using organic materials that break down over time.
Traditional daily watering isn’t efficient and often leads to water waste. A much better method is deep watering – less frequently, but thoroughly. This encourages plants to develop deeper root systems that are more resilient to drought.
The ideal solution is a drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to plant roots without unnecessary losses. Water early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower and evaporation is minimal. Don’t forget to use rain sensors or timers to automate the process and avoid overwatering.
When planning your planting scheme, focus on species that can cope with limited water. Drought-resistant plants tend to have deep roots, waxy leaves or fine hairs that reduce water loss. Excellent choices include lavender, rosemary, sage, echinacea, irises, junipers, and many types of ornamental grasses.
Also consider native plants – they’re adapted to local conditions and require less care. Group drought-tolerant plants together to create beds with similar moisture needs.
Success starts with the soil. While you can’t change the basic type of soil in your garden, you can improve its ability to retain moisture. Adding compost, peat, clay minerals or biohumus regularly increases organic matter content, helping the soil hold both water and nutrients.
Very sandy soils, which dry out quickly, benefit from amendments that improve cohesion and reduce permeability. In contrast, heavy clay soils need aeration – try mixing in sand or small gravel to loosen the structure.
Strong sunlight can scorch leaves and rapidly dry out the soil. It’s important to create shaded areas in the garden – either naturally with trees and shrubs or artificially with shade nets, pergolas or screens.
An interesting option is a gabion fence, which not only serves a decorative and protective purpose but also plays an important microclimatic role. The stone filling absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly, acting as a natural thermal regulator. It also creates a windbreak that helps reduce soil moisture loss. Combined with climbing plants or a shading net, it can provide ideal conditions for more delicate plants.
Harvesting rainwater is one of the most important steps in fighting drought. A water tank or barrel placed under the gutter can store enough water for several weeks. Rainwater is ideal for plants – it’s soft, chlorine-free and naturally warm.
If you have a larger garden, consider installing an underground retention tank or garden pond – it can serve both a practical and decorative function. Rainwater systems can be easily connected to drip irrigation for an efficient and eco-friendly water cycle.
Weeds don’t just spoil the appearance of the garden – they also compete with your plants for water and nutrients. During dry periods, every drop counts, so it’s worth taking the time for regular weeding, ideally before the weeds flower and set seed.
Once again, mulching proves its worth – it plays a key role in weed control by creating unfavourable conditions for germination and significantly reducing the need for manual weeding.
Drought is a challenge, but not an unsolvable problem. With the right approach, plant selection, soil improvement, and modern solutions, your garden can survive long periods without rain. Remember – every drop of water counts, and features like a gabion fence can be both beautiful and functionally ecological.
A garden prepared for drought will be healthier, more resilient, and more beautiful too. Exactly the kind you deserve.
Need help choosing the right fencing? Contact us – we’ll be happy to help you decide.
