In recent years, drought has become increasingly important in Germany. Summers are getting hotter and drier, which not only has a major impact on agriculture, but also on water supplies and ecosystems. Climate change is exacerbating these trends, and drought 2025 could be one of the biggest challenges in the coming years. In this article, we look at the causes and effects of drought and give practical tips on how you can adapt your garden, for example with plants for shade and drought and perennials for sun and drought.
Causes of the drought in Germany
The drought in Germany is the result of several interacting factors. Climate change plays a central role, as it leads to higher average temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns. Winters are becoming milder and summers are characterized by longer dry periods. These climatic changes have a direct impact on the availability of water and lead to increased evaporation.
Other factors:
- Land use: Intensive agriculture and soil sealing due to urbanization exacerbate water scarcity.
- Water consumption: The rising demand for water in households and industry is increasing the pressure on water resources.
- Forest damage: Trees weakened by drought are more susceptible to pests and diseases, which further weakens the forests.

Effects of the drought
The effects of drought are manifold and affect different areas of life. Agricultural yields fall as plants suffer from a lack of water. This leads to higher food prices and increases the pressure on farmers. Water supply is also becoming increasingly problematic, as groundwater reserves are being depleted and water withdrawals have to be restricted.
Effects in detail:
- Agriculture: Lower crop yields and higher irrigation costs.
- Water supply: Restrictions on water use and rising costs for water treatment.
- Ecosystems: Loss of biodiversity and increased susceptibility of ecosystems to pests and diseases.
Adapting to drought: tips for the garden
To counteract drought, you can adapt your garden by choosing plants for shade and drought and perennials for sun and drought. These plants are particularly resistant to a lack of water and help to reduce water consumption.
Plant recommendations:
- Lavender: A robust perennial that tolerates drought well and requires little care.
- Rosemary: An aromatic herb that loves both sun and dryness.
- Stonecrop: This succulent stores water in its leaves and is ideal for dry locations.
- Yarrow: An easy-care plant that tolerates both sun and drought well.
Gardening tips:
- Mulching: A layer of mulch helps to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
- Drip irrigation: An efficient irrigation system that delivers water directly to the roots and minimizes evaporation.
- Soil improvement: The water retention capacity of the soil can be improved by adding compost.

Drought 2025: What do you need to prepare for?
The drought in 2025 is expected to be more intense than in previous years. Experts are warning of a worsening water shortage and advising more conscious use of water resources. In agriculture, new cultivation methods and more resilient plant varieties may be necessary to meet the challenges.
Strategies for preparation:
- Water management: Invest in rainwater collection systems and efficient irrigation techniques.
- Adaptation of agriculture: Rely on drought-resistant plant varieties and optimize crop rotation.
- Education and awareness: Educate yourself and others about the importance of water conservation and the impact of climate change.
What do you have to be prepared for when it starts to rain after a long dry spell?
After a long dry period, sudden rain can lead to flooding, as the dried out soil cannot absorb the water quickly enough. This increases the risk of soil erosion and damage to infrastructure.
Damage limitation measures:
- Soil protection: Erosion can be reduced by planting ground cover plants.
- Infrastructure: Check drainage systems and make sure they are functional to prevent flooding.
- Emergency plans: Develop plans for dealing with sudden weather events to minimize damage.
The drought in Germany is a serious challenge that is being exacerbated by climate change. In order to counter the effects of drought, adaptation strategies are needed at both an individual and societal level. By selecting suitable plants and implementing efficient irrigation techniques, you can adapt your garden to the changing climatic conditions. At the same time, a conscious use of water resources is crucial to mitigate the effects of drought in 2025. By preparing for these challenges, we can strengthen the resilience of our environment and our way of life.