Six Ways to Cut Down on Watering Time

As summer nears, many gardeners face the challenge of proper watering due to restrictions imposed by many municipalities.  If you're one of these gardeners, don’t fret.  Cutting down on watering time doesn't mean allowing your plants to wilt and dry up.  It really is just a matter of creating a watering schedule that will not only work but also save you money.  Here are some ways you can use:

Water sparingly.

When using a water can or hose, aim the water to the roots and not the leaves.  Plants absorb water through their root system and many gardeners waste too much time and a lot of water allowing the moisture to fall someplace else.

Catch excess water.

If you have hanging plants or pots placed in elevated areas, it might be a good idea to place other plants directly underneath.  Each time you water the plants above, those below can catch the excess water and use it instead, cutting down your watering time by at least half.

Choose plants to water.

Not every plant in your garden requires watering everyday.  Cacti and other succulents, for example, can survive well with infrequent waterings.  There is also no need for deep-watering well-established plants.  In fact, plants with established roots will do well with just one inch of water.  Infrequent watering will also encourage deeper rooting, producing plants that are healthier and stronger.

Avoid shallow watering.

Despite appearances, shallow watering actually wastes more water than deep watering.  A light sprinkle of water, for example, will only last for a few hours, requiring you to water the plant all over again. 

Another problem is that if the atmosphere is too hot, the water will evaporate before it has the time to reach the roots so you'll have to water more frequently than you should.  It's not only ineffective, it is also wasteful.  Go for deep waterings once or twice a week instead.

Schedule watering.

The best watering times for plants are early mornings, just before the sun reaches its peak and late afternoons when the sun isn’t too hot.  The reason is simple: if you water during the hottest time of the day, water evaporates faster.  That means you might have to water again late in the afternoon on the same day.

Use watering devices effectively.

Other than the sprinkler, there are also other watering devices that will help you cut down on watering time and save money.  Soaker hoses, for example, 'weep' moisture during a specified length of time and are very effective with flowerbeds and vegetable plots.  Root feeders, which are buried several inches below the ground surface, are great for shrubs and trees.