Helpful Pointers on Watering Your Garden

How and when you water your garden makes a difference. Generally, established plants only require about an inch of water a week, whether it's rainfall or water from a hose. Watering in the mornings is recommended; this minimizes water loss due to evaporation and allows the foliage to dry out more quickly to minimize water-borne diseases. A deep watering once or twice a week, to allow the soil time to dry out between waterings, should be sufficient unless the weather is unusually hot or windy.

Transplants and seedlings require more frequent and shallower watering because their roots are undeveloped and can't reach the water once it soaks in below their reach. As they mature and their roots spread, they can be considered established plants. Depending on the plant species, this shouldn't take more than a couple of weeks.

Mulch can help to conserve water by shading the soil. This also helps to prevent weeds from sprouting, which would compete with your plants for water resources.

The very best way to water your plants is with soaker hoses or drip irrigation. This keeps the water off the foliage, which prevents water-borne diseases and puts the water right at the root zone, where it's needed. Hand-watering with a hose can also allow you to put the water right where it's needed and keep it off the foliage, but is more labor-intensive. Overhead sprinkler systems are the least expensive and easiest way to water your plants, but should only be used early in the day to allow the foliage time to dry.