Watering tomato plant

Summer Garden watering tips to help your plants stay healthy

It’s important to keep your garden hydrated during the summer. By following a few simple tips, you can ensure that your garden stays healthy throughout the hot summer months.

Check the forecast before watering

One of the most important things you can do before watering your garden is to check the forecast. If rain is in the forecast, then you won’t need to water your plants as they will likely get all the hydration they need from the rain.

Man on green lawn checking the weather forecast on phone. Text on phone says "It's a sunny day".
Checking forecast before watering

Water early in the morning or late in the evening

The best time to water your garden is early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun isn’t as strong. If you water during the middle of the day, then much of the water will evaporate before it has a chance to reach the roots of your plants.

Man watering plants in garden with a hose on a summer morning.
Man watering garden

Water deeply but less frequently

It’s better to water your plants deeply but less frequently than to give them a little bit of water every day. When you water deeply, it encourages your plants to develop strong roots that are able to reach down deep into the soil for moisture.

Watering plants deeply.
Watering plants deeply

Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system

A soaker hose or drip irrigation system can be a great way to water your garden as it allows you to direct the water exactly where you want it to go and makes sure that not too much water is wasted.

Close-up of drip irrigation system watering plants.
Drip irrigation system

Mulch around your plants

Mulching around your plants helps to retain moisture in the soil and prevents evaporation. It also keeps weeds from growing and compete with your plants for moisture.

Male hands applying brown mulch chips around green hosta plants.
Applying brown mulch chips 

Know when to fertilize

Fertilizing your plants can give them a much-needed boost, but it’s important not to overdo it. Fertilize according to package directions and be sure to wait until after rainfall or irrigation before fertilizing so that the fertilizer doesn’t runoff and pollute nearby waterways.

Young plan in soil with fertilizer.
Growing plant and fertilizer

Group plants together based on their watering needs

Another way to make sure that your plants are getting just enough water is to group them together based on their watering needs. This way, you can make sure that each plant is getting just what it needs without overwatering or underwatering any of them.

Monitor your garden regularly

Last but not least, make sure to monitor your garden regularly for signs of stress such as wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth. If you see any of these signs, take action immediately by adjust how much and how often you are watering accordingly.

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your garden stays healthy and hydrated all summer long.