While sunshine is never unwelcome, the dry soil conditions that come with it can make gardening more demanding. Many Irish people joke that it rains so often here that water conservation isn’t necessary. However, fresh water is a limited and precious resource, and the process of extracting, purifying, and delivering it to our homes and gardens consumes significant energy and resources.
As populations and human activity grow, we risk using water faster than nature can replenish it. Every garden and gardener is unique but the following guidelines may help conserve water, protect plants and adapt to ever erratic climatic conditions.
Where it matters most
In times of drought, it is tempting to water everything but remember not all plants need the extra help. Established plants, especially perennials, shrubs, and trees, usually have deep root systems that allow them to draw moisture from well below the surface. Instead, focus your watering efforts on those that truly need it: recently planted trees, bushes and perennials, tender seedlings, young vegetables and anything growing in containers.
Some plants naturally droop during the hottest part of the day as a way to conserve moisture. Don’t be fooled into watering them immediately, check again in the early morning or evening before watering. If they’ve bounced back, no action is needed but if they remain limp, they’re probably due a thorough soak.
Water early, water well
A common question is, when is the best time to water? The simple answer is whenever you can! However, the prime time to water plants is early in the morning, as this allows the water to soak into the soil before the heat of the day causes evaporation. If morning isn’t possible, watering in the evening is a good alternative, just make sure the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. This helps prevent fungal diseases and reduces the damp conditions that attract nocturnal pests like slugs. Try to avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as much of the water will quickly evaporate and be wasted.
Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward which increases a plants drought-resilience. Therefore, soaking the soil once or twice a week is far more effective than a light daily sprinkle.
However, potted plants may need more attention and need to be checked daily, if not twice a day. Whether using a hose or a watering can, check that the water soaks through the potting mix to reach the roots. Placing pots in trays to catch runoff will ensure moisture is absorbed evenly and minimise waste.
Similarly, for seedlings in modules or seed trays, bottom soaking will ensure even moisture absorption and will draw roots downward as they seek moisture, promoting deeper, stronger root systems.
Dry spells
If conditions are very dry, it is wise to delay planting out new additions (unless urgent), until cooler, wetter weather arrives. Young plants and seedlings need regular watering to establish and warm, dry soil makes it harder for them to establish and thrive. Instead, keep the pots in a cool, shaded area as even sun-loving plants can tolerate a few hours of shade during a heatwave, which helps reduce their water needs.
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to conserve water in your soil. It reduces evaporation, insulates the ground and improves the soil’s structure and moisture holding capacity. Always water before you mulch and apply a 3–5 cm layer of organic material such as compost, grass clippings, or seaweed between rows and around your plants.
Consider any dry spell to be a learning opportunity, noting which plants cope well with minimal watering and which ones constantly struggle. Mediterranean herbs, perennial vegetables and drought-tolerant natives often handle dry conditions admirably. If a plant wilts repeatedly and is slow to bounce back, it may be time to replace it. Choose low-maintenance, resilient plants that are better suited to changing climate conditions.
Reuse and harvest water
Water conservation begins with capturing and reusing what you have. Install a water butt for increased storage, to collect rainwater from available roofs and gutters if you haven’t done so already. In a prolonged dry spell, even grey water (such as from washing up) can be used but make sure to use biodegradable soap and avoid using it on edibles unless absolutely necessary.
Wildlife may also suffer in dry conditions so place shallow dishes of water in your garden, one on the ground for hedgehogs and one higher up for birds. Change the water daily to prevent disease.
It’s hard to be certain, but if dry springs are going to become the norm, our approach to gardening must evolve and adapt. By watering wisely, using mulch, and choosing resilient perennials, the challenge will become an opportunity.
Module/tray sowings for transplanting in polytunnel: Sow cucumber, French bean (dwarf and climbing) and basil in modules for later planting into polytunnel beds .
Module/tray sowings for transplanting outdoors next month: Sow amaranth, cabbage, calabrese, cauliflower, celery, chard, courgette,
Florence fennel, kale, purple sprouting broccoli, parsley and winter leeks now to transplant next month.
Direct sow outdoors: Beetroot, carrots, peas, radish, turnip, spring onions and continuous sowings of salad leaves can all be sown directly into well-watered ground.
Q&A: Is it time to propagate herbs?
Now is the time to propagate many herbs.
I bought some potted plants to start a culinary herb collection. I would like to expand by taking cuttings but unsure of what plants to propagate. - Mary, Co Mayo
June is ideal for propagating herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme and lavender using softwood cuttings. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems in the morning, cut 8-10 cm below a node, and remove lower leaves. Insert into a pot with moist 50:50 coarse sand/grit and compost. Water well and place in a warm spot out of direct sun. Cover with a plastic bag or cloche to retain moisture, ventilating and misting regularly.
Compost must be kept moist and roots should form in three to six weeks. Transplant into individual pots when rooted for later planting out or sharing with friends.
While sunshine is never unwelcome, the dry soil conditions that come with it can make gardening more demanding. Many Irish people joke that it rains so often here that water conservation isn’t necessary. However, fresh water is a limited and precious resource, and the process of extracting, purifying, and delivering it to our homes and gardens consumes significant energy and resources.
As populations and human activity grow, we risk using water faster than nature can replenish it. Every garden and gardener is unique but the following guidelines may help conserve water, protect plants and adapt to ever erratic climatic conditions.
Where it matters most
In times of drought, it is tempting to water everything but remember not all plants need the extra help. Established plants, especially perennials, shrubs, and trees, usually have deep root systems that allow them to draw moisture from well below the surface. Instead, focus your watering efforts on those that truly need it: recently planted trees, bushes and perennials, tender seedlings, young vegetables and anything growing in containers.
Some plants naturally droop during the hottest part of the day as a way to conserve moisture. Don’t be fooled into watering them immediately, check again in the early morning or evening before watering. If they’ve bounced back, no action is needed but if they remain limp, they’re probably due a thorough soak.
Water early, water well
A common question is, when is the best time to water? The simple answer is whenever you can! However, the prime time to water plants is early in the morning, as this allows the water to soak into the soil before the heat of the day causes evaporation. If morning isn’t possible, watering in the evening is a good alternative, just make sure the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. This helps prevent fungal diseases and reduces the damp conditions that attract nocturnal pests like slugs. Try to avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as much of the water will quickly evaporate and be wasted.
Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward which increases a plants drought-resilience. Therefore, soaking the soil once or twice a week is far more effective than a light daily sprinkle.
However, potted plants may need more attention and need to be checked daily, if not twice a day. Whether using a hose or a watering can, check that the water soaks through the potting mix to reach the roots. Placing pots in trays to catch runoff will ensure moisture is absorbed evenly and minimise waste.
Similarly, for seedlings in modules or seed trays, bottom soaking will ensure even moisture absorption and will draw roots downward as they seek moisture, promoting deeper, stronger root systems.
Dry spells
If conditions are very dry, it is wise to delay planting out new additions (unless urgent), until cooler, wetter weather arrives. Young plants and seedlings need regular watering to establish and warm, dry soil makes it harder for them to establish and thrive. Instead, keep the pots in a cool, shaded area as even sun-loving plants can tolerate a few hours of shade during a heatwave, which helps reduce their water needs.
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to conserve water in your soil. It reduces evaporation, insulates the ground and improves the soil’s structure and moisture holding capacity. Always water before you mulch and apply a 3–5 cm layer of organic material such as compost, grass clippings, or seaweed between rows and around your plants.
Consider any dry spell to be a learning opportunity, noting which plants cope well with minimal watering and which ones constantly struggle. Mediterranean herbs, perennial vegetables and drought-tolerant natives often handle dry conditions admirably. If a plant wilts repeatedly and is slow to bounce back, it may be time to replace it. Choose low-maintenance, resilient plants that are better suited to changing climate conditions.
Reuse and harvest water
Water conservation begins with capturing and reusing what you have. Install a water butt for increased storage, to collect rainwater from available roofs and gutters if you haven’t done so already. In a prolonged dry spell, even grey water (such as from washing up) can be used but make sure to use biodegradable soap and avoid using it on edibles unless absolutely necessary.
Wildlife may also suffer in dry conditions so place shallow dishes of water in your garden, one on the ground for hedgehogs and one higher up for birds. Change the water daily to prevent disease.
It’s hard to be certain, but if dry springs are going to become the norm, our approach to gardening must evolve and adapt. By watering wisely, using mulch, and choosing resilient perennials, the challenge will become an opportunity.
Module/tray sowings for transplanting in polytunnel: Sow cucumber, French bean (dwarf and climbing) and basil in modules for later planting into polytunnel beds .
Module/tray sowings for transplanting outdoors next month: Sow amaranth, cabbage, calabrese, cauliflower, celery, chard, courgette,
Florence fennel, kale, purple sprouting broccoli, parsley and winter leeks now to transplant next month.
Direct sow outdoors: Beetroot, carrots, peas, radish, turnip, spring onions and continuous sowings of salad leaves can all be sown directly into well-watered ground.
Q&A: Is it time to propagate herbs?
Now is the time to propagate many herbs.
I bought some potted plants to start a culinary herb collection. I would like to expand by taking cuttings but unsure of what plants to propagate. - Mary, Co Mayo
June is ideal for propagating herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme and lavender using softwood cuttings. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems in the morning, cut 8-10 cm below a node, and remove lower leaves. Insert into a pot with moist 50:50 coarse sand/grit and compost. Water well and place in a warm spot out of direct sun. Cover with a plastic bag or cloche to retain moisture, ventilating and misting regularly.
Compost must be kept moist and roots should form in three to six weeks. Transplant into individual pots when rooted for later planting out or sharing with friends.
SHARING OPTIONS