With just a few adjustments to your watering style you can save water, time, and money. Water-wise gardening can actually produce healthier plants and offer higher yields than you may have ever had before.

1. Build healthy soil. Never consider the soil in your garden “finished.” Add compost and organic matter regularly for good tilth, water retention, and drainage. Think of it as a work-in progress—forever.

2. Plant selection. Group plants together in a garden bed based on how much water they need. Plant drought-tolerant varieties the farthest away from your water source. You’ll not only save some water, but you’ll save time too.

3. Mulch everything possible. Mulches reduce evaporation, and many of them—such as wood chips, leaves, grass clippings, and newspaper—retain water, as well. (Bonus: mulch goes a long way as a weed suppressor.)

4. Consistent watering. Keep to that watering schedule and you’ll use less of it because you won’t have to soak soil that’s become “hard pan” after you’ve missed several days.

5. Use drip irrigation. It doesn’t matter if you incorporate a drip line system or tuck soaker hoses under plants. This is the best way to get water directly to the roots with the least amount of evaporation.

6. Use timers on your drip irrigation. Timers allow you to walk away when that buzzer for the oven goes off without accidentally leaving the water running for three hours. I speak from the voice of experience.

7. Water in the morning hours. Watering in the early morning hours (before 9 or 10 am) allows the plants to take advantage of that pick-me-up drink of water before the heat can set in. You also get more bang out of your buck because the plants get to drink before the atmosphere does (less evaporation).

8. Water frequently and deep (and less). Watering often and deeply encourages those roots to burrow deep into the soil, creating strong roots and healthy plants. (But remain consistent; see #4.)

9. Keep the weeds out. Every day that you leave weeds in your garden is another day that you’re watering them. Weeds compete with your plants for water.

10. Water slowly. Water your plants like you drink a cup of water. Start “pouring” and let it puddle a bit. Then stop for a beat or two (or more if you have clay soil) and let the water absorb before continuing. Let the water make its way deep into the soil.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ashman Garden Cultivator (1Pack)

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Solid Build—The Ashman Garden Cultivator/Tiller is strong in construction so that it can withstand heavy work in the garden. The blade and the shaft are coupled well for deep digging and uprooting the soil from the depths. It serves the purpose of cultivation very well. Create a blooming crop and watch it blossom and reap the benefits. Sharpened Fine piercing Blade—The blades are razor sharp and are made to pierce into any kind of soil and to serve digging, loosening soil, and weeding. The blades are rust-proof and have chip-resistant coating enhancing durability. Use it to control weeds, bury crop residue in the soil, and for preparing a proper seed bed. High-Quality Design—The thoughtful design incorporated to shape the blades in L shape helps dig deep into the soil and rip it from beneath for cultivation. This helps a lot when weeding. Dig well and plant well. The handle is made to fit in the hand well and can be held tightly to apply push and pull forces effectively. Practical Utility—The garden cultivator is made with “practical utility” as the core of its purpose. It serves all the necessary purposes when gardening. Helps mix soil, which will loosen it up, providing more nutrients for the crops.

Buy at Amazon

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Cordless Grass Shear/Shrub Trimmer Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Scotts battery-operated grass trimmer that uses a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery; Includes a fast charger Cordless grass shear that includes a 6.7" hedge blade and 3.5" shear blade with tool-less blade change feature Hand trimmer with a pivoting and adjustable cutting head for effectively trimming hard-to-reach areas Lightweight and compact cordless grass shears with a comfortable cushioned handle Planet-friendly cordless weed trimmer with a 2-year manufacturer warranty

Buy at Amazon

Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers. Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.

Buy at Amazon