Germany warned of dry summer, gardeners urged to adopt water‑saving measures

The German Weather Service (DWD) has forecast an unusually dry summer for June, July and August, especially affecting North Rhine‑Westphalia, Rhineland‑Palatinate, Hesse and Saarland. Authorities and experts advise garden owners to prepare now to protect plants and lawns from heat stress.

Recommended actions include installing rain barrels or underground cisterns to capture runoff, applying a thick mulch layer to reduce soil evaporation, and watering deeply in the early morning rather than frequent light watering. For trees and shrubs, especially water‑intensive species, the use of watering bags that release water slowly around the trunk is suggested. Long‑term strategies such as converting lawns to drought‑resistant “extensive” grass mixes are also promoted.

Retailer Tchibo offers a simple terracotta watering aid that slowly releases stored water into potting soil, providing an easy, electricity‑free solution for balcony and container plants during vacation periods or heat waves.