The rainy season is around the corner for the Western Cape and while this is very good news for our gardens, you can increase the benefits of rain water by ensuring that your garden is well equipped to hold on to that water.

Here are a few tips on how to create a water-retaining garden :

Compost - Work plenty of compost into your garden beds. Compost holds moisture in the soil and provides nutrients for plant growth.

Mulch - A thick layer of mulch forms a protective “blanket” over the soil which helps to keep soil moist and cool.

Wetting granules - These granules are mixed into the soil and then absorb and store water when the soil is wet. They should be replaced every 18-24 months.

Berms, swales and depressions - Berms (low ridges) and swales (shallow troughs) are used to guide water from areas where it is not needed (like paving) to areas where it is - for example, garden beds. Depressions are low-lying areas which keep water in areas where it is needed – for example a low lying area in a lawn.