Garden Watering – When and How Often to Water

Watering your garden can feel like a mystery at first and takes a bit of trial and error to determine what’s best for your specific microclimate. These tips are sure to start you off on the right foot and give your plants a strong start, too.

When Should I Water My Garden?

The best time of day to water your plants is early in the morning before the sun is up.

This allows your plants to have water throughout the heat of the day without being damp at night, which can lead to moisture-related diseases.

Additionally, be sure to water as close to the soil as possible, and avoid getting water on the leaves.

Drip Irrigation System in the Garden

How Often Should I Water My Garden?

In the summer, water deeply every three days or whenever your soil feels dry when you push your finger down into the soil.

When you are first establishing your garden, check the soil each day for moisture by placing your finger in the ground near the base of the plant. Reach your finger down as far as you can into the soil to feel the moisture level. If the soil is still moist, hold off on watering. If the soil is dry, give the plant a drink.

There are many variables to consider when deciding the appropriate amount of water each plant needs: the plant, your location and the season (winter or summer).

How Long To Water Your Garden

Adjust your watering schedule based on specific plant needs and the seasons.

In the summer, I either water with a slow drip for 1 hour every three days or 30 minutes every day. In winter, I might go a month or more without watering.

This depends on your climate and each year can vary slightly, so check the soil daily at first (as recommended above) until you get a feel for what is right for your area.

How to Water a Garden

Watering by hand vs drip or soaker hoses

I highly recommend using a drip irrigation system.

Having a drip irrigation system allows you to water without getting the leaves and stems of the plants wet, which increases the chances of them burning in the sun as well as the risk of diseases, like powdery mildew, during high humidity.

Should I Use a Timer to Help Water My Garden?

Yes, definitely use a timer to water your garden!

A timer ensures that you are watering consistently, which is key for so many plants.

How to Water Your Plants While on Vacation

Install a timer and set it to water based on the schedule that is right for your location and season.

Once the timer is set up, you can carry on throughout your day without worrying about that task.

Plus, it’s one less item to worry about/plan for when you leave town for a long weekend or vacation.

I hope these watering tips help you feel like your gardening experience is less like a chore and more like a relaxing and invigorating hobby!

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