Simple steps to cool your home and garden this summer
With rising temperatures and unpredictable weather, your home and garden can become uncomfortable. Discover easy, low-cost ways to protect your space from heat and drought while helping nature thrive.
| Action | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cover soil with plants or mulch | Reduces drying, retains moisture |
| Collect rainwater in a barrel | Provides water during dry periods |
| Disconnect downpipe | Allows rainwater to soak into the ground |
| Create shade with trees/cloth | Lowers heat and evaporation |
| Choose drought-resistant plants | Reduces water needs |
| Water plants early/late | Minimizes waste |
| Let grass turn yellow | Saves water, grass recovers after rain |
| Replace tiles with greenery | Retains water, cools surroundings |
| Plant native trees/shrubs | Provides shade, supports local wildlife |
| Start small, expand gradually | Every step improves your environment |
The Dutch government promotes sustainable living and climate adaptation through public awareness campaigns. This article reflects their role in encouraging citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices that benefit both households and the broader environment.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Keep your home and garden cool and green – it doesn’t have to be difficult
We are noticing it more and more often: hot summers, dry spells and sudden downpours. The good news is that you can already do a lot yourself to better protect your home and garden from heat and drought. This doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a few smart and simple steps, you can make your home a much more pleasant place. Not just for yourself, but also for nature.
Practical ideas
Below you will find ten practical ideas that you can apply today. They are small steps that can make a big difference.
- Cover the ground with plants or mulch. A covered soil dries out less quickly, so scatter wood chips or leaves, or plant ground covers.
- Collect rainwater so you have your own water during dry periods. Place a rain barrel next to your downpipe – practical and sustainable.
- Disconnect your downpipe so rainwater can soak into the ground instead of going into the sewer. Direct the water to the garden or a gravel strip.
- Create shade. Less sun means less heat and evaporation. Plant a tree, hang a shade cloth or let climbing plants grow.
- Choose hardy, drought-resistant plants that can easily survive dry summers. Ask at the garden centre for species that need little water.
- Water wisely to avoid waste. Water plants early in the morning or in the evening, close to the roots.
- Let your grass turn slightly yellow; it will recover on its own when it rains again. Not watering it saves a lot of water.
- Replace tiles with greenery. Greenery retains water and provides cooling. Start by removing one tile and planting something in its place!
- Plant a tree or shrub. Trees provide shade and keep the surroundings cooler. Choose a native species that suits the soil.
- Start small. Every step counts! Choose one spot in your garden to add greenery and gradually expand.
Why this works
A green garden retains rainwater better, provides cooling in the area and offers a pleasant spot for birds, bees and butterflies. What’s more, a green environment feels more comfortable on hot days – and you’ll notice that immediately.
Do it your way
Whether you have a balcony, a small garden or a large plot of land: everyone can do something. Every rain barrel, every plant and every tile that is removed helps make our living environment more pleasant.