In this guide
Choose plants that like it here
The easiest outdoor spaces in Malta are planted with species that cope with heat, drought and wind. Mediterranean natives and plants from similar climates usually need much less water and fuss:
- Aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage and lavender — tough, fragrant and useful in the kitchen.
- Succulents and cacti, including aloe and agave — ideal for hot, exposed roof terraces.
- Bougainvillea, oleander and plumbago for colour against walls. Note that oleander is toxic if eaten, so think twice if you have small children or pets.
- Olive, citrus and fig trees in large pots or courtyards.
- Ornamental grasses for movement on windy terraces.
Watering through a Maltese summer
Rain is scarce from late spring to early autumn, so watering is the biggest summer job. Water is precious on the islands, so it's worth doing efficiently:
- Water early in the morning or in the evening, never in the midday sun.
- Water deeply and less often, so roots grow down rather than staying near the surface.
- Use drip irrigation on a timer for pots and beds — it uses far less water than a hose and keeps going when you're away.
- Mulch beds and large pots with gravel, bark or stones to slow evaporation.
- Group pots together so they shade each other, and move delicate plants out of the afternoon sun.
- If your home has a well or rainwater cistern, use it for the garden where it's suitable.
Roof terraces: drainage, weight and waterproofing
A roof terrace is also a roof, and that changes the rules. Most leaks into top-floor flats start with a blocked drain or a damaged waterproofing membrane — and the first heavy autumn rain finds every weak spot.
- Keep drains clear. Leaves, soil, sand and plastic bags block roof outlets. Check them before autumn and after windy days.
- Lift pots off the surface with pot feet so water can drain and the membrane isn't damaged.
- Mind the weight. Large pots full of wet soil are heavy. For big planters, raised beds or a hot tub, get professional advice on what the roof can take.
- Protect the membrane. Don't drag heavy pots or furniture across it, and don't drill into it. Have the waterproofing checked before the rainy season if it's getting old.
- Shared roofs belong to everyone in the block — check with your building administrator before adding planters, pergolas or shade structures.
A season-by-season calendar
Spring (March–May)
- Prune after winter, feed plants and re-pot anything that's outgrown its container.
- Plant new shrubs and herbs while it's mild, so roots establish before the heat.
- Set up or check drip irrigation and timers.
- Clean terrace furniture and check shade sails and awnings.
Summer (June–September)
- Water early or late, and check irrigation every week.
- Avoid planting and heavy pruning in the heat.
- Hose salt and dust off leaves near the coast, in the evening.
- Empty standing water in saucers to keep mosquitoes down.
Autumn (October–November)
- Clear roof drains, gutters and yard gullies before the first heavy rains.
- Check the roof waterproofing and book repairs if needed.
- A good time to plant: the soil is warm and the rains are coming.
- Cut back irrigation as the weather cools.
Winter (December–February)
- Water rarely — and check pots aren't sitting in water.
- Protect tender plants from strong, cold winds.
- Clean and store cushions and covers so they don't go mouldy.
- Plan any bigger changes for spring.
When to get help — and what it costs
Many people manage pots and herbs themselves and bring in help for the heavy or seasonal jobs: hedge and tree trimming, clearing overgrown yards, weeding gravel and patios, installing irrigation, moving large pots or a regular monthly tidy-up. Short-let hosts often add a quick terrace clean and plant watering to their turnover schedule.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Garden jobs via offers from local HeroesTidy-ups, trimming, weeding, per job | €50–€200 |
| Plumbing (outdoor taps, irrigation connections)Per job | €60–€250 |
| Handyman (shade sails, pergola fixings)Per job | €40–€150 |
| Premium window cleaning (terrace doors and windows)Fixed instant price | from €45 |
Prices on HomeHero as of October 2026. Typical offers are a guide, not a quote — your price depends on the job.
For accurate offers, describe the space (yard, garden, roof), its size, what needs doing, whether green waste has to be taken away and how the Hero gets there — a roof terrace up four flights of stairs is a different job from a ground-floor garden.
Frequently asked questions
What plants survive a Maltese summer on a roof terrace?
Drought- and wind-tolerant plants like rosemary, lavender, thyme, succulents, agave, bougainvillea and ornamental grasses are good choices. Use large pots, mulch and drip irrigation to cut watering.
How often should I water plants in Malta in summer?
It depends on the plant and pot size, but small pots in full sun may need water daily in midsummer, while established Mediterranean shrubs in the ground need much less. Water deeply, early or late, and check the soil before watering.
Why does my top-floor flat leak after the first autumn rain?
Often because roof drains are blocked by dust, leaves or soil, or the waterproofing membrane is damaged. Clear drains before autumn and have the roof checked if the membrane is old.
How much does a gardener cost in Malta?
On HomeHero, typical offers for garden jobs range from €50–€200 per job (as of October 2026), depending on the size of the space, the work and whether green waste is taken away.
Can I put large planters on a shared roof?
Check with your building administrator first — shared roofs are common property, and heavy planters can affect waterproofing and load. Get professional advice for anything large.
Get help outside
Post your garden or terrace task with photos and the size of the space, and compare offers from local Heroes.