4 Lawn & Garden Watering Tips
Well, the rains have let up. Like really let up, as in no rain at all in the past few weeks! If you haven’t used your sprinkler system yet, you will need to soon. Or if you haven’t spread out those hoses and come up with a game plan, you might want to. Don’t let lack of water be the reason all that hard work from the spring doesn’t make it!
Here are some garden watering tips:
1. Avoid Overwatering: Water Less Often, But Deeply
Over-watering can be as big a problem as under- watering. For a successful watering program, remember the key concepts. First, water less often but for a longer period of time. This will encourage plants and sod to develop a stronger root system. Be efficient with your water; running your sprinkler system in the heat of the day will cause you to lose a significant volume of water due to evaporation and wind blowing. Water before 6 a.m. in the morning to avoid the peak hours. Central Arkansas Water has a great Water-Wise program to help everyone conserve and properly manage water.
2. Use the Right Sprinkler Schedule for Your Lawn and Garden
So how often and how long should you run your sprinkler system? One of the best garden watering tips for this time of year is to water your lawn 3 to 4 times a week and the same for your beds. For spray type heads, 15 minutes per zone and for rotor type heads, 20-30 minutes per zone. These are just suggestions so monitor your plants to see how they respond to any schedule and adjust as needed.
3. Check Your Sprinkler System for Leaks and Maintenance Issues
Preventative care for sprinklers is helpful and can save you some serious heartache and maybe some serious dollars too! It’s a good idea to have a trusted sprinkler technician go through your system at the beginning of the season to check for leaks and make sure your heads are all functioning. It’s still a good time for this check-up since presumably, the weather is going to get hotter and hotter. Problems might not show up until the heat is really on, and a sprinkler issue in July can quickly become an emergency situation. The Good Earth provides knowledgeable sprinkler service and sales if you need some adjustments, repairs or a whole system installed.
4. No Sprinkler? Use Hoses, Timers, and Mulch for Smart Watering
And what if you don’t have a sprinkler system? Systems of hoses and automatic timers can be set up to handle much of your watering needs, and you can hand-water as necessary. It’s a good idea to keep a calendar of your watering schedule and use a timer to remind you to turn the water off. One of the most effective garden watering tips is to mulch landscape beds to a depth of 3 inches. This helps retain moisture and reduces the frequency of watering. You can also place soaker hoses under the mulch to deliver water more efficiently and consistently to your plants.
Master These Garden Watering Tips for a Healthier Landscape
Watering can feel like a hassle sometimes especially when you’re unsure how much, how often, or what tools to use. But with the right knowledge and a little planning, keeping your lawn and garden healthy becomes not just possible, but simple. A set of well-thought-out garden watering tips and a consistent routine can save you time, prevent costly mistakes, and make a big difference in your landscape’s long-term health.
And if you ever need guidance with your sprinkler system or a more efficient setup, the team at The Good Earth Garden Center is here to help! With expert design, maintenance, and repair services to support your landscape’s needs through every season.
