How to Water Your Garden Efficiently

Overwatering kills more home gardens than drought, and inefficient watering wastes both water and money. The goal is to water deeply and less often, not lightly and constantly.

Plants build stronger roots when the soil dries slightly between waterings. A consistent deep soak beats a daily sprinkle for almost every vegetable.

• Water deeply about 2 to 3 times a week
• Water at the base, not over the leaves
• Early morning watering reduces evaporation
• Mulch keeps moisture in the soil longer

Check the soil an inch down before watering, since the surface can look dry while the roots are fine.