Top gardening tips for the hot UAE weather
We’re fortunate to have year-round sunshine in the UAE. The sky is blue, the spirits are high and the surf is up! However, from June to September, the weather gets extremely hot. That’s the time when indoor activities become more like a necessity. Just like humans, plants also need a lifestyle change during the sweltering summers. Follow these top gardening tips for the hot UAE weather to keep your plants safe and happy!
TOP GARDENING TIPS FOR HOT WEATHER IN THE UAE
Grow heat-loving plants
One of the best gardening tips for hot UAE weather is to get heat-loving plants. If you want to worry less about your garden or balcony, look for plants that were bred for the desert or the tropics.
Purple Heart or Purple Queen (Tradescantia Pallida), Sweetheart Plant (Philodendron Scandens), Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa), Dwarf Jade Bush (Portulacaria Afra) and Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra) are some of the more resilient members of the plant kingdom.
Another option is vegetable plants, such as tomatoes, southern peas, eggplant, peppers, okra, cowpeas and sweet potatoes. Getting a vegetable home garden will go a long way for those who love gardening in summer.
Note – some of these will drop their blossoms when the temperature regularly exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also make sure that you ask for varieties that bear fruits despite the heat during your next visit to Dubai Garden Centre.
Water your plants well
Watering your plants well is one of the most important gardening tips for hot UAE weather. The soil dries up faster in the sweltering heat, making the plants wither faster.
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.
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 UAE’s hot weather is no easy feat. It would be best to maintain healthy organic matter levels as it can greatly assist the soil with water retention.
Experts believe garden soil must possess between 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 similar organisms.
Cover the soil with organic mulch
One of the most useful gardening tips for hot UAE weather is always 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.
However, be careful to use too much mulch as that can be harmful to the plant – a layer that’s too thick can prevent water from reaching the soil as mulch itself is known to absorb large quantities of it. A good 2-4 inches of much will do the trick.
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 plenty of options for outdoor garden owners regarding shading. Pick the right one, depending on your garden’s requirements.
Pergolas, shade cloths or long strips of canvas, latticework screens or even old sheets and curtains (if you can make them look aesthetically pleasing). However, do note that your shading materials should be placed high enough not to obstruct ventilation.
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. Prune branches that are crossing or touching allow air to flow freely around the plants.
FAQs About Gardening in 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 during the 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 instead to keep the soil cooler.
WHAT PLANTS THRIVE IN THE UAE?
Some of the perfect plants for gardening in the UAE include date palm, flame tree, tropical hibiscus and frangipani.
We hope you enjoyed our top gardening hacks for the hot UAE weather. Don’t forget to bring your gardening gloves, your high-SPF sunscreen and a glass of ice-cold lemonade when you implement them. If you’d like a garden to tinker with, consider adding a lawn to your garden 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 these top plant nurseries in Dubai for your home garden. Residents in the capital city can pay a visit to the best plant nurseries in Abu Dhabi to get exotic plant species that survive the blistering heat. Those looking to buy plants can also explore the sought-after plant nurseries in Sharjah.