CAPE TOWN, 16 October 2026 – Water-wise gardening in Cape Town is becoming increasingly important as the city prepares for a longer, drier summer. With water conservation remaining a priority, local businesses are being encouraged to adopt sustainable practices that help protect the city’s water resources.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate recently visited Stodels Garden Centre in Bellville to explore how the business reduces water consumption and to highlight practical water-saving tips that residents can implement in their own gardens.
The initiative demonstrates how everyday changes, from selecting water-wise plants to monitoring water consumption, can contribute to responsible water use.
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How Stodels Promotes Water-Wise Gardening in Cape Town
At its Bellville branch, Stodels has implemented several measures aimed at reducing unnecessary water consumption.
Since 2022, the garden centre has used borehole water, which is treated on site to drinking-water standards.
Employees monitor water meters daily to identify unusual increases in consumption. Any readings above average are investigated, including checks for possible leaks.
Staff members also participate in regular awareness and training sessions focused on water conservation. Signage throughout the premises reminds employees and customers to use water responsibly and to close taps after use.
These measures highlight the importance of monitoring water usage and identifying opportunities to prevent unnecessary waste.
Four Practical Water-Saving Tips for Cape Town Gardens
Water-wise gardening in Cape Town does not have to be complicated or expensive. Simple changes to everyday gardening routines can help homeowners reduce unnecessary water use while keeping their plants healthy. By choosing suitable plants, improving soil moisture retention and adopting more efficient watering techniques, residents can prepare their gardens for the warmer months without placing additional pressure on water resources.
Stodels shared several recommendations to help homeowners maintain healthy gardens while reducing water consumption.
1. Use Mulch to Retain Soil Moisture
Applying bark or mulch around plants helps reduce evaporation and retain moisture in the soil.
This simple gardening practice can help soil remain moist for longer, particularly during hot summer conditions.
2. Try the Dunking Method for Potted Plants
The dunking method involves placing suitable potted plants in water, allowing the growing medium to absorb moisture effectively.
This technique can help ensure that the growing medium is properly hydrated. Gardeners should consider the needs of individual plant species before using this method.
3. Consider Water-Retaining Soil Additives
When planting or repotting, gardeners can consider using suitable water-absorbing soil additives.
These products can help retain water and nutrients around plant roots, supporting healthier growing conditions while reducing moisture loss.
4. Plant Trees to Create Cooler Spaces
Trees provide shade and can help create cooler environments during hot summer months.
Selecting appropriate trees for local conditions can also support a more comfortable and sustainable garden environment.
Stodels Encourages Customers to Choose Water-Wise Plants
Water-wise gardening in Cape Town also begins with making informed choices at local garden centres. Selecting plants that are suited to the Western Cape’s climate can help gardeners create attractive outdoor spaces that require less frequent watering once established. Stodels’ focus on promoting water-wise plants and gardening products gives customers practical options for reducing water consumption at home.
“At Stodels Garden Centres, we actively source, stock and promote water-wise plants and products for our customers to plant or use in their own gardens,” said Justin Emrich, Chief Operations Manager at Stodels Bellville.
By promoting suitable plants and products, garden centres can help customers make more informed decisions about water consumption.
Choosing plants suited to local conditions is another practical consideration for residents planning their gardens ahead of the warmer summer months.
City of Cape Town Calls for Shared Water Conservation Efforts
Alderman Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, emphasised that securing Cape Town’s water future requires cooperation between businesses, residents and municipal authorities.
He explained that municipal teams are replacing ageing pipelines and addressing leaks as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the city’s water infrastructure.
Badroodien also encouraged local businesses and households to examine ways of reducing their water consumption, highlighting the importance of protecting shared water resources during the dry months.
The City’s message is clear: responsible water use is a shared responsibility.
As temperatures rise, water-wise gardening in Cape Town becomes increasingly relevant for households looking to maintain their gardens responsibly. Residents can make a difference by checking irrigation systems for leaks, watering plants according to their individual needs and using mulch to minimise moisture loss. These practical habits can support healthier gardens while encouraging more sustainable water use throughout the summer season.
Why Water-Wise Gardening Matters This Summer
Water-wise gardening in Cape Town offers residents an opportunity to make practical changes without giving up their enjoyment of gardening.
Small actions, including monitoring water usage, selecting suitable plants, retaining soil moisture and checking for leaks, can contribute to more responsible water consumption.
Businesses can also play an important role by educating customers and demonstrating water-saving practices in their daily operations.
As Cape Town prepares for the warmer summer months, water conservation remains an important priority for residents and businesses. Keeping track of dam levels can also help residents understand the importance of protecting available water resources.
Related reading: Cape Town Dam Levels at 75.7% – read more about the city’s water storage levels and why responsible water use matters.
Source: City of Cape Town, Water and Sanitation Directorate, media release issued 15 October 2026.
For more information: City of Cape Town – Media and News
Photographs: City of Cape Town.
