Extreme heat waves are an increasing challenge for people living in and around Budapest. It is also a challenge for gardeners. Urban heat insulation, hard pavements and global warming cause plants to lose water faster, diseases and pests to appear more often and soil to dry out faster. Here are some tips to help protect your garden in the summer heat.

Why are extreme heat waves dangerous for Budapest gardens?

• Soil and plant water loss: in urban environments, concrete and asphalt accelerate evaporation, and soil moisture is rapidly lost.

• Irrigation restrictions: water-saving gardening is particularly important in times of drought.

• Pest and disease outbreaks: aphids, mites and fungal diseases spread rapidly in the prolonged heat.

Useful gardening methods during extreme heatwaves

1. Smart shading

• Shade nets, sun sails can be quickly installed on pergolas, balconies, over raised beds.

• Old fabrics can also be used as temporary shading.

• Live shading: use of fast-growing creepers (e.g. ivy, trumpetflower), dense perennials.

• It can also be easily used on balconies and roof terraces.

Tip: Good shading can reduce microclimate temperatures by up to 10-15°C!

2. Soil covering and mulching

• 5-10 cm thick grass clippings, compost, straw, leaves, wood chips make a perfect mulch.

• Evaporation can also be reduced in gravel beds with rocky outcrops.

• For clay soil in Buda, mix in sand, peat, compost.

• You can also plant ground cover plants (e.g. ornamental grasses, green ground covers).

Mulching can reduce garden water consumption by up to 30-40%.

3. Water-saving and sensor irrigation

• Soil moisture sensors: water only when plants really need it.

• Drip irrigation system: slow, targeted watering with minimum loss.

• Always water at dawn or in the evening!

• With an automatic irrigation system, water savings of up to 50% can be achieved.

4. Spraying, humidifying shade cooling

• Fine atomizers, microsprays can be mounted on pergolas, next to the bed.

• They increase humidity and reduce microclimate temperatures.

• It is especially recommended if brick, stone, concrete a lot in the garden.

5. Increase stress tolerance

• Compost tea leaf spray: after soaking home compost, spray it on the leaves after filtering.

• Foliar fertilization with microelements: sprayed at dusk to increase resistance.

Heatwave tolerant plants for Budapest

Extra tips for surviving a heatwave

• All garden work should be done at dawn/evening!

• Stacked planting: shade plants above more sensitive plants.

• Increase biodiversity!

• Dab wet composted soil around the drying plant pot.

• Keep a garden diary, record your experiences!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

When should I start shading and mulching?
As soon as possible, even in May or when temperatures are forecast to be above 30°C.

What is the most efficient irrigation method in Budapest?
Drip irrigation, automated irrigation with soil moisture sensor.

Does the mulch material matter?
Yes, natural, local materials are the most effective!