The key to proper watering is to apply only the amount needed at the best time using the best methods possible to minimize water losses and adverse impacts to plants. Consider planting drought tolerant and/or native plants.

Most lawns require about one inch of water each week to remain actively growing during summer months. Vegetable crops require about one to two inches each week depending on root depth, growth stage, and soil type. This represents a lot of water. When there is a lack of weekly rainfall, it is crucial that irrigators pay close attention to the weather and water wisely. Not only does improper irrigation waste valuable water, but excess irrigation water can also carry fertilizers, pesticides and other pollutants to ground and surface waters.

Use a rain gauge to measure weekly rainfall and apply only the amount of supplemental water needed.
Avoid frequent watering, it encourages shallow root depths and can weaken plants. One thorough watering event each week is best.
Use low pressure/low volume watering systems such as soaker hoses and drip irrigation for gardens and beds. This reduces water losses due to evaporation, and the low flow rates minimize the potential for water leaching below the root zone or running off the surface. Water is also applied at or near the root zone where the plant needs it.

When using sprinklers:
Avoid irrigating during hot, windy parts of the day to reduce evaporation loss--early morning is best as wet plant foliage during evening hours can increase susceptibility to disease.
Be sure that automatic sprinklers have a manual control option– irrigate according to weekly rainfall amounts and not a set, automatic schedule.
Avoid irrigating paved surfaces, roads and driveways.
Use shallow cans to measure the amount of water being applied.
Adjust the flow rate to the sprinklers to avoid surface runoff.

Other important tips:
Consider planting drought tolerant plants – especially in those spots where the soil is already very dry and sandy. Soils differ in the amount of water they can hold, so save moisture-loving plants for areas with finer, heavier soils.

During a serious, prolonged drought consider allowing lawns to go naturally dormant, because watering can actually stress the grass more by forcing it to grow under such adverse conditions.

Use rain barrels or cisterns to collect and store rainwater.

Use mulch to conserve soil moisture in beds and gardens. Increase soil organic matter (and soil moisture holding capacity) through mulching and adding compost or other organic soil amendments.

For more information about proper irrigation and drought tolerant plants

URI CE GreenShare Sustainable Trees and Shrubs Manual

The following URI CE GreenShare factsheets:

Compost
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Efficient Watering of Turf
General Lawn Maintenance and Renovation
Irrigating the Home Garden
Mulches
Selection of Grasses

or call our URI Master Gardener Hotline: 1 (800) 448-1011
Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 2 PM

Healthy Landscapes Information Sheet:
Rain Gauges--Your most important garden tool

For information on rain barrels, see our Healthy Landscapes Information Sheets:
Rain Barrels
How to Build and Install a Rain Barrel

Information on Cisterns

The Center for Watershed Protection
or call (410) 461-8323
Information on rain gardens, rain barrels and watershed protection

See our Healthy Landscapes page on Rain Gardens

URI CE Home*A*Syst Program factsheet:
Water Conservation In and Around the Home