In the middle of a heatwave - how do we get our garden ready for the heat?
It's 35 degrees and more today. We are in the middle of a heatwave here. Our gardens and plants are now in an exceptional situation. The high temperatures, dryness and wind are making things difficult for them. We have to adjust to the fact that this has become the new "normal" in summer. So what can we do to make our gardens more resistant to this?
The idea that a sophisticated irrigation system could elegantly put an end to the drought is simply not responsible in times of record low groundwater levels - we don't even want to use the overused (but probably justified) word SUSTAINABLE any more - let's just say that irrigation systems are simply not fit for the future.
Now we are keen to make our gardens more robust and heat resistant, but where could we start? Here are our tried and tested tips:
Collecting rainwater
The first rule is to use what is available, i.e. to collect rainwater, which periodically falls from the sky in large quantities in a short space of time, and use it for potted plants, flower boxes or other areas that require household quantities of watering water.
Mental and physical detachment from English turf
Our meadows can simply no longer be golf courses - whose existence in times like these must be massively questioned anyway - no matter how much it pains some of our contemporaries.
If the meadow can be longer, it protects the soil from drying out and is more robust. Alternatively, the creation of a flower meadow could be considered.
Avoid watering generously with a hose or sprinkler. The latter in particular is a water waster due to evaporation without any benefit of the extra class.
You will see that your meadow is very resilient and usually recovers quickly, even if it turns yellow.
Do not pluck
However tempting it may be, hold back on plucking dry leaves, as they provide some shade and protect the plant. When they are plucked, the regrowth of the next leaf is initiated - during a heatwave this does not always come to a good end.
If watering, then do it right
Water in the morning. Watering in the evening could attract snails. Also, water more intensively and not so often.
How can I make my garden fit for the heat in the long term?
Shadow
Create islands of shade - this can be done with the help of umbrellas or sails, camouflage nets also provide a wonderful, translucent shade with interesting plays of light and are not as susceptible to wind as a sail. We strongly advise against using covers that could create heat build-up.
However, the most pleasant shade imaginable still comes from a tree, which is why we recommend planting robust varieties appropriate to the location. This is also good for the overall climate.
Plant plants that can cope with heat
One thing is certain, the climate is unlikely to change back in the next thousand years, which is why we would like to encourage you to replace plants that are unsuitable for the heat with more robust native varieties. This will bring relief in the long term.
They have proven themselves in our gardens:
- Wollziest
- Evening primrose
- globe thistle
- Stonecrop
- Spur flower
- Spurge species
- Midday flower
- Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, dill, etc.
- Lavender
- Old rose varieties
- Wild carrot
- Perovskia
- Margarite
- Flame flowers
- Real wine
- Blackberry
- Yarrow
To name a few. Of course, it depends on how much sun the plants get and also what the soil is like.
All in all, we would like to once again strongly encourage you to live WITH the new conditions and not AGAINST them, in line with the rules of permaculture. Your #Beetschwestern.
