
Discover the average outdoor misting system cost, key price factors, and tips to save money on installation and maintenance for your home.
A lush landscape is all about timing
The best time to water plants is early morning between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Avoid watering your plants at night to prevent fungal disease.
If necessary, you can water in the early afternoon.
As a general rule, plants need about one inch of water per week during the growing season—but did you know that when you water is almost as important as how much you water? Watering your lawn and garden at the right time can maximize effectiveness while limiting the risk of plant diseases. If you want the lushest lawn on the block, this guide will show you the best time to water a garden.
Water your lawn or garden early, ideally before 10 a.m. Some landscapers think between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. is the sweet spot. The goal is to avoid the heat of the day. Watering a garden earlier can safeguard against heat-related issues because:
It maximizes hydration by limiting the evaporation that occurs in the afternoon sun.
Water that’s warmed in the sun can burn foliage.
Well-hydrated plants are better equipped to handle high afternoon temperatures.
If the morning is inconvenient, you can water after 4 p.m. Just ensure you leave enough time for your garden to dry before nighttime. Planting flowers in mulch can also help protect against extreme temperatures and reduce evaporation.
How often to water a garden or lawn depends on the season. The higher temperatures go, the more you’ll need to spread out watering to prevent evaporation. Most plants need 1 to 1½ inches of water per week unless they are dormant, but this includes rain.
Water your garden when the soil feels dry—usually twice per week.
Water your lawn once or twice a week in late spring and summer and only during dry periods in early spring or fall.
Though early morning is the best time to water plants, temperature, soil condition, and plant age all play a role. You can hire a landscaper to help you determine what’s best for your home in every season.
The hotter the temperature, the more likely water is to evaporate or burn your plants. You may need to spread out watering across the day. For example, in an extreme heat wave, you may need to water a container garden in the morning and afternoon.
Certain types of soil, like heavy clay soils or loamy soils, hold onto water. The same goes for mulching. This can give you more leeway in high temperatures, but it can be more damaging to water too close to dusk.
Younger plants require more water—and slow, deep waterings—to help them establish a strong root system. The same goes for plants with shallow or weak roots. You won’t need to water mature plants as often, but they do benefit from a larger amount of water at one time.
Avoid watering your garden or lawn at night because it can lead to water-logged soil. This can cause fungal diseases like root rot, leaving your plants vulnerable to pest infestations. If you must water at night, don’t water from above. Instead, only water the soil and avoid the foliage completely.
You may want to install a sprinkler and irrigation system to make watering easier. For most homeowners, a new sprinkler system costs between $2,100 and $6,800. A yard drainage system costs $4,400 on average, but a local french drain company can give you a more accurate quote.
Lawn irrigation can cause flooding or pooling if your lawn has an improper grade. Though drainage can help, you may need to hire someone to regrade your yard. This could significantly increase costs.
If you have the time, you can water your garden using the correct size garden hose fitting. Unless temperatures are extreme, choose one or two days per week to give long, deep waterings. Spend at least 30 seconds on each area of your garden, focusing on the soil rather than the foliage.
Consistent watering takes time and commitment. For this reason, many people hire a landscaper or opt for a sprinkler system. You should never attempt to install a sprinkler and drainage system on your own. Instead, contact a sprinkler installation service near you.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the average outdoor misting system cost, key price factors, and tips to save money on installation and maintenance for your home.
If your yard is soggy after a storm, it’s time to install a drainage system. Use this guide to learn the average cost of installing a yard drainage system.
If your sprinkler system isn’t working, it may be time for a new pump. Find out sprinkler pump replacement costs with this guide.
From convenience to consistent watering, there are many benefits of sprinkler systems—but there are also drawbacks. Here’s what to consider before installation.
Our guide on how to add a sprinkler head outlines all of the steps involved in the process and answers some of the more common questions relating to installation.
Irrigation can help your lawn, flower bed, and veggie gardens thrive. But what is irrigation? Follow this guide to learn how irrigation works.