Smart Ways to Save Water While Gardening in the Summer Heat

Keeping a summer garden thriving and green without watching your water bill skyrocket can be a delicate balancing act. Whether you're dealing with drought restrictions or just trying to be more eco-conscious, it's natural to want your tomatoes juicy and your flowers blooming—without wasting a precious resource. The good news? With a few smart strategies and the right tools, you can dramatically reduce your water usage without sacrificing your garden’s beauty or yield. Let’s take a look at how to save water while gardening in summer, using practical, garden-tested approaches that are easy to implement and rewarding to maintain.

Step 1: Choose Water-Wise Soil and Mulch

Soil is more than just dirt—it’s the foundation of your garden’s water system. Water-retentive soil gives your plants steady hydration while minimizing how often you need to water.

Start with the Right Soil Mix

A moisture-retaining soil mix helps store water deeper in the ground, where roots can absorb it throughout the day. One we like using is the Mother Earth Coco Plus Perlite Mix for Moisture Retention. It combines coconut coir and perlite to create a light, airy mix that holds onto water while still allowing for good drainage.

• Apply the mix to new beds and containers before planting.
• Work it into your existing soil for improved water retention.

Use Mulch as a Moisture Barrier

Mulch acts like a cozy blanket for your soil—locking in moisture and keeping roots cool even on scorching July afternoons.

• Use organic mulch like bark, straw, or shredded leaves for added nutrients.
• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to garden beds and around trees and shrubs.
• Refresh mulch as needed to maintain coverage.

“Adding mulch not only cut down my watering, but my plants looked healthier too. It keeps everything so much more consistent.” — Jamie, reader in California

Step 2: Water Smart, Not Hard

When it comes to watering, it’s not just how much you use—it’s how you use it. A thoughtful approach to watering can reduce waste and keep your plants healthier in the long run.

Water Early or Late

Water your garden in the early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation from midday heat. Your plants will better absorb moisture when the sun isn’t blazing.

Install Drip Irrigation or Soaker Hoses

Targeted watering systems like drip lines and soaker hoses deliver water directly to the base of your plants, eliminating spray loss and runoff.

• Try the Rain Bird GRDNERKIT Drip Irrigation Repair and Expansion Kit to convert a traditional hose setup into a low-flow watering system.
• Ensure your timer is set to water briefly but deeply to encourage strong roots.

“Installing a soaker hose saved me hours a week — it’s the best garden upgrade I’ve made.” — Mark, reader in Texas

Avoid Overwatering

Many gardeners water too often, which not only wastes resources but can also stress out your plants.

• Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
• Use a moisture meter or simply poke your finger into the soil to check how damp it is.
• Plants like lavender, rosemary, and succulents actually prefer slightly dry conditions.

Step 3: Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants

Your plant choices can make or break your summer water budget. Lean into varieties that thrive with less watering—they’ll thank you for it come August.

Shop for Low-Water Plants

Look for native species and drought-tolerant perennials like:

• Lavender
• Russian sage
• Yarrow
• Salvia
• Coneflower

These plants have adapted to your local climate, meaning they can survive dry spells far better than water-guzzling impatiens or thirsty turf grass.

Group Plants by Water Needs

Create “watering zones” by grouping plants with similar moisture requirements together. This makes your watering schedule more efficient and increases the likelihood each plant gets just what it needs.

“I planted all my herbs together in a sunny container, and it’s so much easier now to keep them watered just right without wasting a drop.” — Nina, reader in Oregon

Step 4: Reuse and Recycle Water

Conserving water doesn’t always mean using less—it can also mean using smarter. Capture and redirect water you already use around the house to give your plants an extra drink.

Collect Rainwater

Install a rain barrel at the base of your downspout to collect rainfall off your roof during seasonal storms. This free water can hydrate your entire garden bed for days.

• Use a mesh screen to keep leaves and mosquitoes out.
• Attach a spigot or hose to make it easy to fill a watering can.

Reuse Household Greywater

Water from rinsing veggies, collecting shower warm-up water, or partially used drinking water can all go to your plants—as long as it doesn’t contain soap or chemical residues.

• Collect water from cooking pasta or steaming veggies (just let it cool first).
• Designate a bucket to catch water from handwashing or other daily chores.

Step 5: Use Self-Watering Tools for Don’t-Forget Days

In the heat of summer, even the most attentive gardener can miss a watering day (or three). Self-watering tools help bridge the gaps, especially during vacations or busy weeks.

Try Self-Watering Spikes

The Gardener's Supply Company Terra Cotta Self-Watering Spikes fit into household bottles and slowly release moisture into the soil. Perfect for potted plants or raised beds, they provide steady hydration without any need for timers or apps.

• Ideal for tomatoes, herbs, and hanging planters.
• Use one spike per medium planter or group of small plants.

Consider Wicking Systems for Large Planters

Wicking systems slowly absorb water from a reservoir at the base of a container. Many self-watering pots or DIY sub-irrigated planters use this method to keep plants hydrated for days.

“I set up self-watering spikes before my beach trip, and everything was thriving when I got back. No stressed plants, no guilt.” — Elena, reader in Florida

Helpful Tools from This Article

• Gardener's Supply Company Terra Cotta Self-Watering Spikes
• Mother Earth Coco Plus Perlite Mix for Moisture Retention
• Rain Bird GRDNERKIT Drip Irrigation Repair and Expansion Kit

It doesn’t take a massive overhaul to garden more sustainably in the summer—you just need a few mindful habits and tools made for the job. With less water runoff, fewer stressed plants, and a more resilient garden, you'll not only save on your water bill but create a stronger, more self-sufficient oasis right outside your door. We’d love to see how your setup turns out — tag @PorchLightPicks and show us your garden!