Surviving the Heat: A Complete Guide to Proper Plant Watering During Maltese Summers

Malta’s long, dry summers are known for intense sunlight, high temperatures often exceeding 35°C, and minimal rainfall. While perfect for beachgoers, these months can be brutal on your plants. Proper watering is not just about quantity—it’s about timing, technique, and understanding your plant’s needs. Whether you’re tending to a garden, balcony pots, or an urban rooftop space, this guide will help you keep your plants thriving through the scorching Maltese heat.

Why Watering Matters So Much in Malta

The Maltese climate is classified as Mediterranean semi-arid, with rainfall virtually non-existent between late May and September. Plants quickly lose moisture due to:

• High temperatures: Accelerates evaporation from both soil and leaves.
• Strong winds: Especially common on exposed balconies and rooftops.
• Intense UV: Direct sunlight stresses plants and increases transpiration.

Without proper watering strategies, even hardy Mediterranean species can wilt or go into survival mode.

The Golden Rules of Watering in Maltese Summers

1. Water Early or Late—Never Midday

The best times are:

• Early morning (before 8 a.m.)
• Evening (after 8 p.m.)

Watering during the heat of the day causes fast evaporation and can even scorch leaves if droplets act like magnifying lenses under the sun.

2. Water Deep, Not Often

• Soak the soil deeply: Encourage roots to grow downwards, where the soil stays cooler and wetter longer.
• Use the “finger test”: Stick your finger (or a wooden stick) 5–7 cm into the soil. If it’s dry at that depth, it’s time to water.

3. Choose the Right Watering Method

• Drip irrigation: Ideal for consistent moisture without waste.
• Soaker hoses: Good for beds and borders.
• Watering cans or hoses with a fine rose: Best for container plants to avoid disturbing the soil.

Avoid overhead sprinklers unless you’re watering lawns, as they waste water and promote fungal growth on leaves. You can learn more about irrigation methods on our other post, Smart Watering.

4. Mulch Like a Pro

Cover the soil with:

• Bark
• Straw
• Cocoa husk
• Pebbles

Benefits:

• Retains soil moisture
• Reduces surface evaporation
• Keeps roots cooler

5. Know Your Plants’ Needs

Some popular plants and how often to water them in summer:

Always adjust based on wind exposure and pot size.

6. Potted Plants Need Extra Love

Pots heat up fast and dry out quicker than garden beds. Tips:

• Use light-coloured containers to reflect heat
• Group pots together to create a microclimate
• Line terracotta pots with plastic to slow evaporation

7. Collect and Conserve Water

Malta faces water scarcity, so use these eco-friendly hacks:

• Greywater reuse: Use leftover water from washing vegetables (avoid soapy water unless using greywater-safe soap)
• Rain barrels: Collect rainwater during rare summer storms
• Self-watering pots: Excellent for small spaces and holiday periods

The Golden Rules of Watering in Maltese Summers

Thirsty Plants:

• Wilting leaves (during morning or evening)
• Dry, crumbly soil
• Leaf curling or browning edges

Overwatered Plants:

• Yellowing leaves
• Mushy stems
• Foul smell from soil (root rot)

Apply what you learnt

With thoughtful watering, even the harsh Maltese summer can become a thriving season for your plants. Stay observant, use efficient techniques, and always adapt based on your microclimate—coastal wind, rooftop heat, or shaded garden beds all affect watering needs.

Your plants may not thank you verbally—but their vibrant growth, lush foliage, and colorful blooms surely will.