How to water your garden
Water deeply and less often, at the base of the plants, in the morning.
How to do it
- Check first: push a finger into the soil. If it's dry at your first knuckle (about an inch down), water. If it's damp, wait.
- Water the soil at the base of the plants, not the leaves. Wet leaves invite disease.
- Water slowly until the soil is soaked about 6 inches down. One long drink beats a quick daily sprinkle.
- Water in the morning if you can, so the leaves dry during the day.
Signs it needs more water
Leaves droop in the morning or evening, the soil is dry an inch down, or lower leaves turn crisp and brown. Hot, windy weather and sandy soil dry out fastest.
Signs it needs less water
The soil stays soggy, leaves turn yellow, or plants droop even though the soil is wet. Let the top inch dry before watering again.
Hot days
Above 90°F, check the soil again in the afternoon and water if it's dry. Drooping in afternoon heat is normal if the plant perks up by evening.
Rain
About half an inch of rain counts as a watering. The app skips watering when rain is likely.
Good to know
- Most vegetable gardens need about an inch of water a week, from rain or from you.
- Mulch keeps the soil damp longer.
Based on standard guidance from U.S. university extension services, including Cornell, the University of Minnesota and Oregon State.