Florida summers are no joke. When dry spells hit, gardeners across Bonita Springs and Naples feel the pressure to keep their landscapes green without draining resources—or their wallets. But maintaining a lush garden during periods of little rainfall isn’t just possible—it’s practical when you know what to do.
At Sanjuan Family Nursery, we work with homeowners and landscapers every day who want beauty without waste. Let’s walk through how you can conserve water while still keeping your garden vibrant in Southwest Florida.
1. Water Early, Water Deep
The best time to water your garden is early in the morning—before the sun and heat kick in. Watering in the heat of the day leads to rapid evaporation. Watering at night increases the risk of disease due to prolonged leaf moisture.
Early-morning irrigation ensures that your plants have the moisture they need to face the hottest part of the day. And always water deeply—shallow watering encourages shallow roots, which dry out faster. Use a slow soak technique or drip irrigation to get the moisture down to the root zone.
2. Ditch the Sprinklers—Upgrade to Drip Irrigation
Sprinklers are fine for lawns, but they waste a ton of water when used on garden beds. Overspray, wind drift, and evaporation all chip away at your efficiency.
Drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses are far more effective. They deliver water directly to the root zone where plants need it most, reducing water loss and improving absorption. Plus, they help prevent fungal issues caused by wet leaves.
If you’re installing a new landscape, Sanjuan Family Nursery can help you choose the right irrigation strategy for your plants and layout.
3. Choose Plants That Can Take the Heat
A water-wise garden starts with the right plant selection. Stick with native and drought-tolerant plants that are built for Southwest Florida’s heat and humidity. A few excellent options:
- Coontie Palms – Native, hardy, and attractive year-round.
- Firebush – Thrives in heat, attracts pollinators, and tolerates dry conditions.
- Lantana – A low-maintenance flowering groundcover with long blooming seasons.
- Silver Saw Palmetto – Durable, heat-tolerant, and strikingly beautiful.
- Pentas – With proper placement, they’ll keep flowering even through summer.
Our team at the nursery can guide you through more plant options based on your space, lighting, and maintenance preferences. To read more about the best plants for Southwest Florida, check out our articles on annuals, perennials, and more.
4. Mulch is Not Optional—It’s Essential
Mulch plays a major role in water conservation. A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (pine bark, shredded hardwood, or even coco mulch) can reduce evaporation by up to 70%.
It also:
- Regulates soil temperature
- Suppresses weeds
- Adds organic matter as it breaks down
Pro tip: Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of plants to prevent rot. And yes, we’ve got mulch in bulk here at Sanjuan Family Nursery.
5. Group Plants By Water Needs
Design your landscape with water conservation in mind. Place plants with similar water requirements together. This technique, called hydrozoning, prevents overwatering low-need plants and keeps high-need plants from drying out.
For example, put your tropicals in one zone (near a water source or drip line), and your succulents, agaves, or natives in another. This strategy works especially well for larger beds or commercial landscapes.
6. Use Rain Barrels or Cisterns
Harvesting rainwater is one of the most underutilized water-saving tactics in Florida. Set up rain barrels at downspouts to capture runoff, then use that water to irrigate beds or containers.
It’s free, it’s sustainable, and your plants will love it. If your community allows it, consider a larger cistern system for extended use.
7. Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plants
Healthy soil holds water better. By enriching your garden beds with compost, worm castings, or organic topsoil (like our custom blend at Sanjuan Family Nursery), you create a sponge-like medium that stores moisture longer.
If you’re starting new beds or refreshing tired areas, amend the soil before you plant. You’ll reduce your watering needs from day one.
8. Don’t Fight the Season—Work With It
During a dry spell, your job isn’t to force your garden to look like spring. Instead, lean into Florida’s seasonal cycles.
- Let your lawn go a little brown. It will bounce back.
- Focus on maintenance rather than new installations.
- Use the time to prep soil, plan layouts, or apply mulch.
And if you’re adding new plants, do it in the early morning or evening to reduce transplant stress. Use shade cloth or temporary cover if needed.
Watering Wisely Pays Off
Water conservation isn’t just about saving money (although it definitely helps). It’s about building a garden that thrives even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. At Sanjuan Family Nursery, we’re proud to help homeowners and landscapers across Bonita Springs, Naples, and beyond make smart, sustainable choices for their landscapes.
Need help choosing drought-resistant plants? Want to improve your soil? Looking for organic mulch or top-tier irrigation tips? Stop by the nursery—we’re here to help you garden smarter, not harder.