Stating that proper plant care practices are of great importance during summer heat, Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Near East University, said that the drought-tolerant landscape concept, which adapts to the effects of climate change, is no longer a choice but a necessity for sustainable living.
Extreme heat, which intensifies during the summer months, threatens home gardens and landscaping areas, as it does many other aspects of life. In the Mediterranean region, where the effects of climate change are felt more clearly each year, experts point out that instead of the traditional garden concept, landscaping practices that use water efficiently, are drought-resistant, and adapt to climatic conditions are no longer a choice but a necessity.
Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, underlined that the landscape concept must also transform in regions affected by the Mediterranean climate in line with climate change. Prof. Dr. Özden stated that the widespread adoption of drought-tolerant landscaping practices is gaining importance today, instead of traditional gardens with high water consumption. She emphasized that drought-tolerant landscaping does not only mean gardens with less irrigation. Özden stated that it is possible to create sustainable living spaces that adapt to climatic conditions through the right plant selection, practices that preserve soil moisture, and designs that use water efficiently.
Professor Dr. Özge Özden, noting that the drought-tolerant landscaping approach should also be reflected in daily garden practices, said that many measures, from correct watering times to mulch use, from shading practices to the selection of drought-resistant plants, should be considered together. Drawing attention to the positive effects of small water features created in gardens on the microclimate, Professor Dr. Özden offered suggestions to reduce the negative effects of summer heat on plants. She stated that small water surfaces created in gardens contribute to the balance of temperature in the area through evaporation, and also underlined that they create habitats for birds, bees, and other beneficial organisms.
Water at the right time and with the right method!
Professor Dr. Özge Özden stated that one of the most common mistakes made during the summer months is watering during the hottest hours of the day, which increases water loss and prevents plants from receiving the expected benefits. Professor Dr. Özden said, “Watering should be done as much as possible in the early morning or in the late afternoon when the sun’s intensity begins to decrease. A significant portion of the water evaporates during watering at midday. Furthermore, water droplets landing on leaves, combined with high temperatures, can cause burns.” She added that watering plants thoroughly, rather than frequently with small amounts, is healthier, and that drip irrigation systems, in particular, deliver the necessary moisture directly to the root zone, saving water.
Mulching preserves soil moisture…
Professor Dr. Özge Özden, noting that leaving the soil surface exposed accelerates moisture loss in summer heat, stated that the use of organic mulch is of great importance for plant health. Professor Dr. Özden said, “When the soil is covered with organic materials such as straw, pine bark, dry leaves, or pruning residues, both evaporation decreases and the soil temperature remains more stable. Thus, with this method, which we call mulching, plants are less affected by heat stress and the need for irrigation is significantly reduced.” Professor Dr. Özden also stated that mulching not only saves water, but also, “Organic materials decompose over time, increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil, supporting the development of beneficial microorganisms, and limiting weed growth.”
Attention Young Saplings and Delicate Ornamental Plants!
Professor Dr. Özge Özden stated that excessive heat creates significant stress, especially on young saplings and delicate ornamental plants, and that temporary shading applications can be preferred when necessary. Professor Dr. Özden said, “Thanks to shading nets, pergolas, or large garden umbrellas, plants can be prevented from being directly exposed to sunlight, especially during midday hours. This application reduces leaf temperature, decreases water loss, and supports plant development.” Emphasizing that newly planted plants are particularly sensitive during their first summer months, Professor Dr. Özden stated that supporting these plants with shading applications will facilitate their adaptation process.
Choose plants suited to the Mediterranean climate!
Professor Dr. Özge Özden stated that landscape design must also change with climate change, emphasizing that choosing drought-resistant species instead of water-intensive plants is crucial for sustainable gardening. She noted that drought-tolerant landscaping practices will become even more important in the future, and that selecting the right plants is a vital part of the climate change adaptation process. Professor Dr. Özden said, “Plants adapted to the Mediterranean climate, such as lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, hibiscus, geranium, and lantana, consume less water and exhibit high resistance to summer heat. These species create an aesthetically pleasing appearance in the landscape while reducing maintenance costs and water consumption.”
Create a Cool Microclimate in Your Garden!
Professor Dr. Özge Özden stated that not only plant selection but also design is important in combating heat in gardens, adding that small pools, miniature ponds, and water features create a cooling effect in the environment. Professor Dr. Özden said, “Small water areas created in gardens contribute to the balance of temperature in the area through evaporation. Small pools and ponds, especially those planned in conjunction with plants, create micro-cool climate areas, reducing heat stress on plants while supporting the biodiversity of the garden. These practices, which also create habitats for birds, bees, and other beneficial creatures, are one of the important elements of a sustainable landscape concept.”
Professor Dr. Özge Özden added, “In fact, these types of practices should be implemented not only in home gardens but also in urban open spaces. Drought-tolerant, climate-friendly, sustainable, and conscious landscape applications by our municipalities will set an example for the public in the conscious use of natural resources in their own living spaces.”
*This news is compatible with SDG 13, SDG 15, SDG 11, and SDG 6.