Mediterranean Garden in Malta: Design Tips for Your New International Home

Understanding Malta’s Climate: Your Mediterranean Garden Advantage

Before you spend a single euro on plants, you need to understand Malta’s climate reality. This isn’t the classic Mediterranean climate you might know from Tuscany—it’s Mediterranean on steroids.

The Malta Climate Facts That Define Your Garden Plan

Malta has a semi-arid climate (less than 600mm of rainfall a year), which means: little rain, lots of sunshine, and high humidity because its an island. The numbers speak for themselves:

Source: Malta Meteorological Office (2024)

The Ghar Lapsi Effect: Wind as a Garden Game-Changer

What the climate tables don’t show: Malta is windy. Seriously windy. The Mistral (cold north wind) in winter and the Sirocco (hot south wind) in summer won’t just mess with your hair, but also with your plant selection. I learned this the hard way when my very first pergola structure and climbers ended up looking like modern art after a storm.

Practical Consequence: Plan for wind protection right from the start. Glass screens, bamboo fences, or strategically placed sturdy shrubs can be the difference between a thriving garden and a plant cemetery.

Soil Reality Check: Limestone Is Not Your Friend

Malta’s soil is predominantly limestone—alkaline, porous, and low in nutrients. Translation: Many plants you know from Germany will never be happy here. The pH is usually between 7.5 and 8.5 (alkaline), while most garden plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.

What this means for you: In almost every spot, you’ll have to use potting soil. Expect to pay €8–12 per 50-litre bag at Scotts Malta or Tal-Borg Stores.

Garden Design Malta: The Right Site Assessment for Your Home

Not all balconies are the same, and not every terrace is paradise. Your Maltese location largely determines which garden dreams you can realistically achieve.

Coastal vs. Inland: The Salty Difference

Do you live in Sliema, St. Julian’s, or right by the sea? Congratulations—and my condolences. The salty air is great for your lungs but poison for many plants. In my first Gzira apartment, even plants advertised as “salt-resistant” looked like they’d been through a car wash after three months.

Salt-tolerant plants for coastal locations:

• Oleander (Nerium oleander) – practically indestructible
• Tamarisk (Tamarix) – looks like mini willow trees
• Seagrass varieties for ground cover
• Rosemary and thyme – always reliable

Mapping Sun Hours: The Four-Zone Rule

Observe your garden/balcony for a week. Maltese sun is harsher than in Germany, but the shadows from tall apartment blocks can be surprising.

The Building Factor: Apartment Block vs. Villa

Living in a typical Maltese apartment block? You probably only have a balcony with limited load capacity. Most modern balconies are rated for 300–400 kg per square meter. A big terracotta pot with wet soil quickly weighs 40–50 kg.

Balcony Garden Planning Checklist:

1. Check load limits with landlord/administrator
2. Distribute weight evenly
3. Opt for lightweight materials: fiberglass over terracotta
4. Go vertical: hanging baskets, wall shelves

Mediterranean Plants Malta: The Species That Survive Even August

Here’s where it gets real. After three years of trial and error, I’ve developed a favourites list that will keep even your not-so-green thumb alive.

The Unkillable Heroes: Plants for Beginners

These plants forgive watering mistakes, withstand Malta’s winds, and still look good:

• Oleander (Nerium oleander): Blooms May–October, survives utter drought. Caution: toxic for kids and pets.
• Bougainvillea: Explosive colour, needs support to climb. Likes it dry—overwatering means fewer blooms.
• Rosemary and lavender: Fragrant, easy-care, and great for the kitchen.
• Aloe vera: Can survive a whole month with no water. Bonus: natural first aid.
• Olive tree (small): Seriously symbolic, needs large pots, lives for decades.

Herb Garden Malta: Mediterranean Cuisine on Your Doorstep

Why buy expensive herbs from Greens or Tower Supermarket when you can grow your own?

Colour All-Year: Blooms without the Drama

Malta’s climate allows for nearly year-round blooms—if you choose the right plants:

Spring (March–May):

• Geraniums (classic, but they work)
• Petunias in all colours
• Calibrachoa (Million Bells)—flowers until first frost

Summer (June–September):

• Portulaca—opens only with sun, totally carefree
• Vinca (periwinkle)—blooms even more as it gets hotter
• Lantana—real butterfly magnet

Autumn/Winter (October–February):

• Cyclamen—the kings of Malta’s winter
• Pansies (Viola)—surprisingly cold-resistant
• Primroses—first splashes of colour in January

Succulents: The Instagram Look for the Forgetful

Succulents are perfect for Malta—and for those who forget to water regularly. My top picks:

• Echeveria: Rosette shape, all sorts of colours
• Sedum (stonecrop): Grows everywhere, great ground cover
• Agave: Spectacular, but needs space
• Haworthia: Mini aloe relatives, perfect for window sills

Insider tip: The succulent selection at Astra Nursery in Qormi is legendary. Go on Saturday morning—best selection!

Watering Your Malta Garden: How to Save Water and Spare Your Nerves

Water is precious—and expensive—in Malta. The Water Services Corporation charges between €1.94 and €4.18 per cubic meter depending on usage. Your garden shouldn’t be the reason your water bill skyrockets.

The 2-Can Rule: Efficiency Over Waste

Forget daily spritzing with the hose. In Malta, you water thoroughly but less often:

• Summer: Give a good soaking every 2–3 days
• Winter: Once or twice a week, depending on rainfall
• Time of day: Early mornings (5–7am) or late evenings (after 7pm)
• Technique: Water slowly, so it soaks in

Drip Irrigation: Your Best Friend Once You Hit 20 Plants

Once your garden grows, a drip irrigation system is well worth it. I got mine at Tal-Borg Stores (full set for around €80) and have saved 40% water since—with better results.

Drip Irrigation Malta: What You’ll Need

1. Programmable timer (weatherproof!)
2. Main hose (16mm diameter)
3. Drip tubing or emitters
4. T-pieces and connectors
5. Pressure reducer (Malta water pressure is often too high)

Rain Storage Tricks: Be Ready When It Pours

When rain comes to Malta, it’s sudden and heavy. A downspout can collect 50–100 litres in an hour. Take advantage:

• Rain barrels: 200–300 litres is enough for a balcony garden
• Mulch: Bark or gravel cuts evaporation by up to 50%
• Water-retaining granules: Mix into soil, stores up to 300x its weight in water

Watering Mistakes That Kill Your Plants

I’ve made them all—here’s how you don’t have to:

Reality Check: In August and September, you may still lose plants despite everything. That’s normal—even in my third year, I lost some. Malta’s summers are brutal.

Malta Garden Planning: From Terraces to Full Gardens

Now let’s talk design. How do you turn your Maltese outdoors into a sanctuary that’s both functional and beautiful?

Zoning: Creating a Mediterranean Garden Step by Step

Even in the smallest space, you can create different “rooms”:

• Relaxation zone: Seating area with shade, fragrant plants
• Utility zone: Herbs and edibles near the kitchen
• Privacy screen: Tall plants or trellis at boundaries
• Entrance: Statement plants in attractive pots

Material Choices Malta: What Stands Up to the Climate?

Not everything that looks pretty survives Malta’s climate extremes:

Creating Shade: Essential from June Onwards

Without shade, your garden is unusable from June to September. Possible options:

Pergola with climbers:

• Grapevines—classic, but take 2–3 years
• Passionflower—fast growing, spectacular blooms
• Jasmine—intensely fragrant in the evening

Shade sails and awnings:

• Flexible, instant effect
• Quality starts at €150
• Wind-safe installation (Malta winds!)

Shade trees (for larger gardens):

• Fig—fast grower, edible fruit
• Pomegranate—decorative, easy-care
• Carob—quintessential Malta, evergreen

Vertical Gardening: Make the Most of Limited Space

Land is expensive in Malta—use the third dimension:

1. Wall shelves for herbs: DIY with weather-resistant wood
2. Hanging baskets: Stunning with trailing petunias
3. Trellises: For climbers on walls
4. Vertical garden systems: Modular options from Tal-Borg Stores

Styling tip: Malta gardens shine in warm earth tones. Terracotta, sand, olive green—these match local limestone architecture and don’t look like an imported allotment garden.

Malta Garden Maintenance: Insider Tips for Everyday Life

Theory is one thing—everyday practice is another. Here are the practical tricks that actually make a difference.

Seasonal Garden Calendar Malta

January–February: Planning Time

• Order seeds (online—local choice is limited)
• Buy pots and soil
• Repair winter damage
• First sowings in sheltered areas

March–May: Building Phase

• Main planting season for annuals
• Sow and repot herbs
• Install/service irrigation system
• First harvests from autumn sowings

June–August: Survival Mode

• Water intensively but smartly
• Remove faded blooms to encourage more
• Optimize shade management
• If needed, move plants to partial shade

September–November: Harvest Time

• Preserve herbs (dry, freeze)
• Prep winter planting
• Replace heat-damaged plants
• Set up rain barrels for winter

December: Winter Rest

• Frost protection for sensitive plants
• Water less (avoid waterlogging)
• Plan for next year
• Clean and oil your tools

Pests and Diseases: Malta’s Signature Issues

Malta has some unique garden pests you should know about:

Tool Basics for Malta Gardeners

You don’t need much—but the right stuff counts:

• Watering can with long spout: For accurate watering
• Pruning shears: Invest in quality (Fiskars)
• Small hand rake: For container gardens
• Spray bottle: For plant care and pest control
• UV-resistant gloves: The Maltese sun is hard on your hands, too

Community Tips: Malta Gardeners Helping Malta Gardeners

The Malta gardening community is small but supportive:

• Facebook group Gardening in Malta: 4,200 members, very active
• Seed Swaps: Regular exchange events in Valletta
• Astra Nursery Workshops: Free on Saturdays
• WhatsApp groups: Organized by region for emergencies and tips

Three Years’ Experience: Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Every Malta gardener has lost a whole garden to a heatwave at least once. It’s part of the journey. What counts is that you stick with it.

Costs and Sources: Where to Find Everything for Your Garden in Malta

Malta is expensive—you’ll realize that the first time you visit a garden centre. But with the right sources and a bit of planning, you can keep your costs in check.

Budget Reality Check: What Does a Malta Garden Really Cost?

Balcony Garden (4–6 m²):

• Basic setup (pots, soil, plants): €200–400
• Watering (simple system): €50–80
• Annual replanting: €100–150
• Water & fertilizer per year: €80–120

Terrace Garden (10–20 m²):

• Basic setup: €500–800
• Drip irrigation: €80–150
• Shade (shade sail): €150–300
• Annual costs: €200–300

Full Garden (50+ m²):

• Professional design: €500–1,500
• Initial planting: €1,000–3,000
• Irrigation system: €300–800
• Annual care: €400–600

The Best Sources in Malta

Garden Centres and Nurseries:

DIY Stores for Hardware:

• Homemate: Good value for pots and tools
• Frank Salt Real Estate Garden Centres: High-end supplies
• Local hardware stores: Often cheaper, but limited range

Savings Tips for Budget-Conscious Gardeners

Timing Is Everything:

• End-of-season sales (September/October): Up to 50% off
• Spring deals (February/March): New collections, old prices
• Wednesday at Astra: Senior discount (ask—even if you’re under 65!)

Alternative Sources:

• Facebook Marketplace: Second-hand pots and plants
• Expat groups: Great deals when someone leaves Malta
• Direct import from Sicily: Worth it for large orders
• Grow from seed: One packet = 50 plants

Online vs. Offline: What’s Worth It?

Insider money-saving tip: Most nurseries offer 10–15% discount for cash payments. Just ask for a “cash discount”—totally standard practice here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Gardens in Malta

Can I garden year-round in Malta?

Yes, Malta allows year-round gardening. Temperatures rarely drop below 8°C (≈ 46°F), and frost is extremely rare. However, in the peak of summer (July/August), most of your time is spent damage-limiting and watering instead of active gardening.

Which plants survive Maltese summers without daily watering?

Succulents (aloe, echeveria), Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), oleander, bougainvillea, and native Maltese plants like capers and wild fennel. These are fine with watering just 2–3 times a week.

How much does it cost to fully create a new 50m² garden in Malta?

Plan for €2,000–4,000 for a basic setup including irrigation, planting, and shading. Professional design costs another €500–1,500. Yearly maintenance is €400–600.

Where can I find rare or specialist plants in Malta?

Astra Nursery in Qormi has Malta’s largest collection of rare species. Plant Bazaar in Fgura specializes in succulents. For truly rare plants, import from Italy or trade with other collectors via Facebook groups.

Can I grow vegetables in Malta?

Yes, but timing is crucial. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers thrive from March to June and September to November. In high summer, only the toughest varieties will survive. Herbs and salad leaves go almost year-round but need partial shade in the hottest months.

Do I need landlord permission for container gardening in a rental?

For balcony pots, usually not—but check your contract. For structural changes (pergolas, irrigation), you generally need permission. Always ask first—Maltese landlords are usually flexible regarding reversible upgrades.

What are the classic mistakes Malta garden newbies make?

The big three: 1) Buying German/Northern European plants that won’t survive here. 2) Watering in the midday summer sun and “boiling” your plants. 3) Using pots that are too small—plants need more root room in Malta’s heat.

Are there poisonous garden plants in Malta to be aware of?

Yes—oleander is highly toxic (especially for children and pets), castor bean is deadly poisonous, and angel’s trumpet can cause skin irritation on contact. Always research before buying, especially if pets or kids can access the area.

How do I survive my first Maltese summer as a gardening newbie?

Start small, choose proven heat-resistant plants only, install watering and shade right away. Expect to lose 30–50% of your plants in your first year—that’s normal. Every experienced Malta gardener has had at least one total wipe-out.

Is professional garden design worthwhile in Malta?

If your garden is over 30m² or you plan to invest over €2,000: definitely yes. Local pros know windproof structures, efficient irrigation, and what works where in Malta. In the long run, it’ll save you money and frustration.