Quick tips for hot weather gardening in UAE
While life in the UAE is mostly exciting and comfortable, there are certain times in the year when tackling extreme weather is a task. That’s the time when indoor activities become more like a necessity. And just like humans, plants also need a lifestyle change during the sweltering summers. Follow these tips for hot weather gardening in UAE to keep your plants safe and blooming!
Smart hacks for Hot weather gardening in UAE
- Heat-loving Plants
- Water Your Plants
- Organic Soil Matter
- Organic Mulch
- Use Shades
- Pruning and Deadheading
- Air Circulation
Grow heat-loving plants
The first step to successful hot weather gardening in the UAE is choosing the right plants. Not all greenery enjoys the desert sun, but many do thrive in it. Choose UAE heat-tolerant plants like:
- Dwarf Jade Plant
- Sweetheart Plant
- Purple Heart
- Elephant Bush
- Natal Plum
You can also grow vegetables such as okra, eggplant, southern peas and sweet potatoes. These options make great additions to your summer garden while demanding little maintenance. The best plant stores in Dubai can help you find a wide variety of heat-loving plants to grow in your garden or lawn.
Water your plants well
Watering your plants well is an obvious tip for hot weather gardening in the UAE. The soil dries up faster in the sweltering heat, causing the plants to wither quickly.
Consider setting up a reminder on your phone for all the watering that might slip your mind. Also, try to do more deep watering instead of shallow watering. Deep watering reaches the roots and keeps the soil cool for a longer period. For efficient watering, consider installing drip irrigation in UAE gardens—a water-wise system suited to our climate.
Make an effort to regularly check your soil moisture level by using a trowel and digging, let’s say, 6” down. Also, plants are best watered in the morning while the soil is still cool, and the water can easily run deeper into the soil to reach the roots.
Maintain soil organic matter
Gardening in the UAE’s hot weather is no easy feat. Maintaining healthy organic matter levels is best, as it can significantly enhance the soil’s ability to retain water.
Experts believe that garden soil should contain 5-9% organic matter, depending on the climate and soil type. Beneficial soil organisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi, help plants tolerate drought-like conditions better, so try to enrich your soil with them.
Cover the soil with organic mulch
One of the most useful sustainable landscaping in UAE tip for growing plants in a hot climate is using grass clippings, straws and shredded leaves for mulch to prevent soil from drying up. Using mulch is one of the best ways to prepare your garden for summer in Dubai.
One of the most practical mulching tips for gardening in the UAE is to use a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw. Avoid piling too much mulch around the base of plants to prevent fungal growth.
Use garden shades
Gardening experts also say that partial shading during extreme heat can help reduce the temperature by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. There are numerous options for outdoor garden owners when it comes to shading. Select the right one, depending on your garden’s specific needs.
Pergolas, shade cloths or long strips of canvas, latticework screens or even old sheets and curtains (if you can make them look aesthetically pleasing) can work. However, note that your shading materials should be placed high enough to avoid obstructing ventilation.
Using shade cloth for the backyard in the UAE correctly can ensure that you easily grow the best plants for hot weather. Looking to buy one for your home? Here’s a list of the top sun shades shops in Dubai.
Regular Pruning and Deadheading
Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and health of your plants, allowing them to focus energy on new growth. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming and prevents plants from wasting energy on seed production.
Provide Adequate Air Circulation
Proper air circulation is essential for plant health in hot weather. Avoid overcrowding plants, as this can create a humid environment and increase the risk of fungal diseases. That’s why maintaining proper air circulation is one of the most overlooked drought-resistant garden tips.
Prune overlapping branches and avoid overplanting to ensure fresh airflow, which helps reduce the risk of mildew and other heat-related plant stress.
FAQs About gardening tips for the UAE summer
SHOULD I USE BRICKS AND CRUSHED STONES IN MY DUBAI GARDEN?
No, do not surround your garden with brick or crushed stone paths. These absorb heat during the day and release it at night, affecting the soil. You might end up with yellow grass in your garden. Also, avoid adding too many concrete paths and invest in organic mulch to keep the soil cooler.
Avoid these mistakes and adopt the garden summer house ideas in the UAE mentioned in the post to embrace a lush lawn!
How can mulching help retain moisture in hot UAE weather?
Mulching prevents evaporation by covering the soil, keeping it cooler and shaded. It reduces watering frequency and protects roots from extreme heat. Use light organic mulch and avoid creating thick, compacted layers.
Which shade solutions are most effective for protecting plants from intense sun?
Shade cloths, lattice screens, pergolas and old curtains can all work well. Choose breathable materials and make sure they’re positioned to allow air circulation while blocking the strongest rays during peak hours.
CAN YOU NAME PLANTS THAT GROW IN HOT WEATHER?
Some of the perfect plants that thrive in hot weather in the UAE include the date palm, flame tree, tropical hibiscus and frangipani.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD A GARDEN IN DUBAI?
The cost of creating a garden in Dubai depends on multiple factors such as the size of the garden, landscaping design, material used, lighting and irrigation installations and the cost of hiring a professional gardener.
Nevertheless, on average, a 100 sq. m. garden, with only real grass installation, may cost between AED 2,500 and AED 4,000.
We hope you enjoyed our top gardening tips for UAE summer. Don’t forget to bring your gardening gloves, high-SPF sunscreen and a glass of ice-cold lemonade when you implement them.
If you’d like a garden in your home, consider adding a lawn in Dubai. Or you can pick garden plants that suit both winter and summer in the UAE.
You can get quality plants and shrubs from top plant nurseries in Dubai for your home garden. Also, residents in the capital city can visit the best plant nurseries in Abu Dhabi to get exotic plant species that survive the blistering heat.
Moreover, those looking to buy plants can explore the sought-after plant nurseries in Sharjah.
For more tips and tricks to get your garden blooming this summer, subscribe to MyBayut!
