How Much Should I Water My Garden In The Summer?

23rd January 2025

Knowing how often to water your plants in the summer (or at all!) can feel like a mystery. The first few weeks after planting are critical to ensure your plants have the best chance at survival. While there is no one-size-fits-all guideline for watering during the warmer months (November to March), the following guide provides a starting point to help you keep your plants hydrated and healthy.

Key Considerations

Water retention and evaporation rates are influenced by environmental factors like sun, wind, and humidity. Achieving the right watering balance will require some trial and error. Below are general guidelines to help you manage your irrigation system or water by hand. Additionally, we provide tips to recognize overwatering or underwatering and adjust accordingly.

General Watering Tips

Soil Check:

  • Check soil moisture daily by inserting your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
  • After watering, use a hand trowel to dig near the root ball (without disturbing it) to see how far the water has soaked.
  • Consider investing in a moisture meter from a garden center if you prefer not to touch the soil directly.

Efficient Hand Watering Tips:

  • Use a watering wand or nozzle with a gentle spray to avoid disturbing young plants and soil.
  • Focus on watering the base of plants to ensure the roots absorb the water.
  • Avoid wetting foliage to reduce the risk of disease.
  • Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and disease risks.

Irrigation Systems

Garden Beds

Newly Planted (First Summer):

  • All plants in the first four weeks: 1.5 hours per day.
  • If your irrigation system includes a mix of plant types, adjust for the thirstiest plants.
  • Drip Hose or Weeping Hose:
    • Beds with drought-tolerant plants (e.g., teucrium, succulents): 2 hours weekly.
    • Beds with average watering plants: 2 hours every two days.
    • Beds with thirsty plants (e.g., hydrangeas or new hedges): 1.5 hours daily.

Established (Second Summer and Beyond):

  • If your irrigation system includes a mix of plant types, adjust for the thirstiest plants.
  • Drip Hose or Weeping Hose:
    • Beds with drought-tolerant plants: 3 hours every two weeks.
    • Beds with average watering plants: 2 hours weekly.
    • Beds with thirsty plants (e.g., hydrangeas): 1.5 hours 2-3 times a week.

Pots

Established and Newly Planted:

  • For mixed pot sizes on one irrigation line, adjust for the smallest pot.
  • Small Pots, Hanging Pots: 3 minutes twice a day.
  • Large Pots: 7 minutes once a day.
  • After Rain: Always check pots after rain. If the soil is saturated, skip the next watering cycle. Note that in established pots, rain may not fully reach the soil.

Hand Watering

Garden Beds

Newly Planted (First Summer):

  • Water every 1-2 days during peak summer heat.
  • Small Plants: 20-30 seconds at the base. Let the water soak, then repeat for half the time.
  • Medium Plants: 30-60 seconds at the base. Let the water soak, then repeat for half the time.
  • Large Grade Trees: 2-3 minutes at the base. Let the water soak, then repeat for half the time.

Established (Second Summer and Beyond):

  • Once root systems are well established, water deeply every 7-10 days. Increase frequency to every 2-3 days during extreme heat.
  • Use a sprinkler for large areas to ensure consistent coverage.

Pots

Established and Newly Planted:

  • Small Pots, Hanging Pots: 20-30 seconds at the base. Let the water soak, then repeat for half the time.
  • Medium Pots: 30-40 seconds at the base. Let the water soak, then repeat for half the time.
  • Large Pots: 1-2 minutes at the base. Let the water soak, then repeat for half the time.

Final Thoughts

Summer watering requires careful observation and adjustment to meet your plants' needs. Regularly checking soil moisture and tailoring your watering approach to your plants and environment will ensure a thriving garden all season long.

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