Gardening 101. Here's How to Properly Water Your Garden

Watering your garden helps keep it lush and beautiful, but proper watering depends on many factors. What types of plants do you have? Are they new or established? Is your soil sandy or clay-like? What are the weather conditions where you live? Watering the right way reduces stress on your plants so they can flourish. It also improves water efficiency. Read on to discover practical plant watering tips, techniques and tools to make watering your garden easy.

The Best Way to Water Your Garden

Watering your garden may seem pretty straightforward but underwatering or overwatering will stress your plants and make them vulnerable to insects, diseases and poor production. So how often should you water your garden? In general, when the top few inches of soil begin to dry out and you can't feel any moisture, it's time to water. To quickly check, stick your finger in the soil. If it's dry up to your second knuckle, water away!

Tips for Watering Your Garden

Here are some more helpful tips to keep top-of-mind: 

• Don't water lightly often as it promotes shallow root growth and leaves plants weak 

• Deep watering is more effective as it encourages deeper, stronger root growth 

• Soak your garden an inch once a week, to a depth of 6–12 inches 

• Sandy soil holds less water than clay-like soil and dries out faster 

• You can reduce the amount of water you need by adding compost or applying mulch to add moisture 

• Extreme hot, dry or rainy conditions will impact how often you need to water 

• Pay attention to the amount of rain and dry spells your area experiences

Plant Types & Watering Frequency

The type of plant also determines watering frequency. Choose plants that suit your environment and watering style. Some plants do better in dry conditions, some like sun, others prefer shade.

Tips for Watering Different Types of Plants

• Larger plants and newly planted plants require more water 

• Mature plants with an established root system require less water 

• Plants with shallow roots such as vegetables, bedding plants and many perennials require more frequent watering, about once a week 

• Different types of vegetables may have different water requirements 

• Container plants dry more quickly and may require water multiple times a day in hot and dry conditions

GOOD TO KNOW! For a little extra help, a rain gauge is an easy way to keep track of how much water your garden is getting.

The Best Time to Water Your Garden

When is the best time to water your garden? In addition to watering techniques, timing is also important.

Do’s & Don’ts for Timing Your Watering

Do water in the morning. The best time of day to water your garden is early in the morning when it's cool. This allows water to reach the roots and helps minimize the amount of water lost to evaporation. It also provides plenty of time for foliage to dry. 

Don't water plants in the afternoon or early evening unless they'll have enough time to dry. Wet foliage attracts insects, fungus and disease that can cause harm. 

Don't water on windy days as wind increases evaporation. 

GOOD TO KNOW! A drip or soaker irrigation system lets you water right up until nightfall because the water comes out at ground level, so the leaves don't get wet. A soaker hose is great for your vegetable garden for this same reason.

Lay the Groundwork for Successful Gardening with these Handy Tools

Choosing the right garden tools makes watering your garden and outdoor plants easier. It can also lead to more effective watering, which will help your blooms and vegetables to thrive. Check out these handy tools for watering your garden efficiently.

Root Waterers

A root waterer gets water directly to a plant's roots for strong, healthy growth. Easy to use, you simply insert the watering tool and nozzle into the soil to get water to the bottom of the plant. It connects to your hose and is controlled with a lever for efficient use and no spillage. A root waterer is ideal for containers and garden beds.

Watering Wands

A telescopic watering wand is ideal for hard-to-reach locations. The adjustable handle makes it easier to access hanging baskets, reach behind larger plants and water low planters without bending. We offer a variety of watering wands with versatile features. Varied watering patterns accommodate different watering needs. A trigger handle allows for flow control. Look for features that meet your watering needs.

Garden Hoses

When buying a new garden hose, consider the following factors to help pick the right one for your garden: 

• Hose lengths range from 25 to 100 feet 

• Longer hoses deliver less water pressure 

• Hose diameters range from 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch 

• Larger diameter hoses deliver more water 

• Vinyl garden hoses and plastic garden hoses are inexpensive, lightweight and easy to use

• Rubber garden hoses are heavier and more durable 

• Reinforced garden hoses are less likely to kink or burst 

• The more layers, the stronger the hose 

• Additional features like kink resistance, microbial protection and water-flow control valves are also available

Sprinkler Hoses & Soaker Hoses

Specialty sprinkler and soaker hoses are used for lawn and garden irrigation. A sprinkler hose is capped on one end with little holes along the hose that gently spray water on the ground. It is ideal for watering lawns or newly planted beds. A soaker hose is made of porous material that oozes small amounts of water directly to your garden or flower bed's roots with little waste. It is great for newly planted beds.

Garden Hose Accessories

Consider these helpful accessories when choosing your hose: 

• Keep your hose tidy and protected when not in use with a hose reel 

• Choose a garden hose nozzle with the grip and spray patterns you prefer 

• Automate your watering process with a manual or digital water timer 

 If you’re looking to buy a new sprinkler or hose, check out our handy buying guide to help you find the right one for your lawn and garden.

Garden Tools to Keep on Hand

It pays to keep a selection of handy gardening tools nearby for everyday upkeep. Browse our selection of rakes, spades, trowels and more and tackle your garden with ease. 

The right tools and plant watering tips will help your garden to flourish. You may want to grow vibrant, healthy blooms to beautify your property. Or maybe it's a thriving vegetable garden for the family to enjoy. Whatever you passion, watering your garden properly will go a long way to creating the lush garden you want.