Systematic Water Conservation

The summer of 2026 is marked by persistent heat and drought in many parts of the world. Although climate-related changes vary greatly from region to region, there are still cross-national connections. In Europe, the effects of these weather extremes are particularly noticeable. Professionals in the gardening industry and private garden owners must increasingly adapt to these conditions. In the face of extreme heat and dwindling water resources, factors such as efficiency, conservation, and sustainable irrigation are becoming increasingly important.

Rising temperatures and prolonged drought are putting stress on the greenery. To help the garden weather periods of drought, solutions start with the basics: New products for soil and plant care are specifically designed to address the challenges of drought and heat stress. For example, soil pellets or natural water-retaining gels and granules help prevent rapid evaporation and drying out. Specialized soils can also store water and release it as needed, while specialized fertilizers regulate and improve plants’ water balance and transport.

Unnecessary water consumption should be avoided during periods of drought. As a result, demand is growing for smart solutions that allow for more precise monitoring and control of water delivery. All-in-one systems can adapt garden irrigation to soil moisture and weather conditions, thereby regulating it more effectively. To achieve this, irrigation controls and timers are combined with a soil moisture sensor and a rain sensor. Real-time tracking of water consumption enables continuous optimization of irrigation. Water savings can then also be viewed in real time via an app and tracked on a daily basis.

To further optimize irrigation, innovative components are coming onto the market. Irrigation timers with built-in flow measurement are becoming increasingly compact, offering more application possibilities. In the garden, they allow you to specify an exact amount of water to be dispensed over a specific period of time. Timers with motor-driven ball valves operate reliably even without water pressure and are suitable, for example, for rainwater collection tanks. Digital level sensors for water tanks and cisterns—which integrate into smart-home systems and can be accessed from anywhere via smartphone—help ensure the efficient use of rainwater.

Drip irrigation systems, which deliver water directly to the roots of each plant, are also efficient. They can be configured flexibly and are controlled fully automatically. Measures such as the installation of infiltration basins also help prevent the garden from drying out. Planted depressions can collect rainwater and retain it in the soil for longer. For paved outdoor areas, soil sealing can be reduced by using, for example, perforated pavers. Green roofs and walls can also store rainwater and slowly release it back into the environment. Perennials with shallow root systems or special roof garden soil are well-suited for this purpose.

Gardens need water, and ideally, this should be managed systematically. Especially in light of future climate change, it is important to plan irrigation carefully when caring for green spaces and plants. Using water-saving and efficient irrigation solutions not only helps gardens adapt to periods of heat and drought but also helps conserve drinking water resources. As this summer has shown, it’s becoming increasingly important to provide your garden with enough water while also conserving water.