- 1). Determine the moisture needs of your plants. Plants native to your area often do not require much watering in addition to rainfall, according to CityRenewed.com, a metropolitan green resource guide. Some plants benefit from allowing the soil to dry between rain showers. Potted plants, conversely, often require daily watering because they lose moisture more quickly than garden beds.
- 2). Monitor local rainfall. In general, gardens need an inch of water per week for vigorous growth, according to gardener resource information published by Master Garden Products. Purchase a rain gauge at your local hardware store or home improvement center and install it in the garden. If your area has received less than an inch of rain in a given week, additional watering is needed. Ensure a deep, weekly watering rather than frequent shallow watering. This promotes strong, healthy root development.
- 3). Time your watering sessions wisely. Park Seed Co. recommends watering early in the morning when temperatures are lower and the sun is less intense. Water is absorbed into the soil rather than evaporating in the heat. Avoid watering in the evening because the combination of darkness and damp leaves can lead to fungus growth.
- 4). Consider adding a product such as Soil Moist, a polymer that absorbs excess moisture in the soil and releases it when the soil becomes too dry. The crystals are mixed into the soil at the root level and provide aeration in addition to moisture control. Such products reduce the need for frequent watering and are especially beneficial when you will be unavailable to monitor your garden's moisture level. Alternatively, incorporating small pieces of sponge into the soil will accomplish the same purpose.
- 5). Contain the moisture. Master gardener Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman says mulch helps keep soil moist by slowing evaporation from the sun and wind. It also helps control weed germination, contributes nutrients to the soil and improves soil texture. A 3- to 6-inch layer of organic mulch such as compost is recommended. Remove old mulch in the spring to let the soil warm, then add fresh mulch after seedlings have emerged.
- 6). Control where the water goes. Install a drip irrigation system to ensure the water goes into the soil rather than onto the leaves. An easy, affordable method is to pierce an old garden hose at regular intervals. Lay the hose along your plants. Place a cap on one end and attach the other to your water spigot. Turn on the spigot high enough so that the pressure forces water to flow through the holes.
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