Q&A
Best of Home & Garden · August 8, 2025
Efficient garden watering is a crucial skill for any gardener looking to maintain a thriving landscape while conserving resources. This article delves into expert-approved solutions that can revolutionize your watering routine. From timing strategies to automated systems and sustainable water sources, discover how to keep your garden lush without wasting a drop.
3 gardeners in this bed
Angelika ZaberLawn Care Specialist & Gardening Expert · Online TurfThe best way to water your garden efficiently during a dry spell that I always recommend to my clients is by watering it at the right time. If watered during the afternoon, the harsh sun will likely cause all the moisture to evaporate before it has a chance to soak into the soil, leaving your plants thirsty. Instead, water your plants in the morning or evening. Since the sun isn't directly overhead then, the temperature is cooler, allowing your plants to get the water they need while allowing you to use less of it.
For the watering itself, I recommend investing in a drip irrigation system. A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to your plants' root zone, minimizing evaporation. On top of this, the system can be fully automated, meaning that you can still water your plants at the right time, even if you're on vacation or away on a business trip. However, since drip irrigation systems can be expensive to set up, you can also use a hose or a watering can (I only recommend this for a smaller garden) instead.
I would also recommend applying a layer of mulch around your plants as it will help the soil retain moisture and regulate its temperature. On top of this, it will also suppress any weeds, which is always a bonus for any gardener!
Finally, make sure to practice deep, infrequent watering all year round as this encourages deeper root growth, allowing your plants to better handle periods of drought.
David ShelluOwner · Cascading Falls Inc.After nearly two decades in landscaping and running Cascading Falls Inc., I've installed hundreds of automated watering timer systems across Sacramento and Roseville. The game-changer isn't just the automation—it's zone-specific watering that treats different areas of your garden according to their actual needs.
Here's what I've learned from real installations: flower beds need gentle, frequent moisture while established shrubs thrive with deeper, less frequent watering cycles. I set up systems where delicate plants get light sprays twice daily, but trees and established perennials get deep watering every 2-3 days. This approach has kept my clients' gardens thriving even during California's brutal dry spells.
The key tool I swear by is a programmable timer system with multiple zones—not just a single timer for everything. I typically install 4-6 zone systems that can run different schedules simultaneously. Your tomatoes might need daily attention while your lavender prefers to dry out between waterings.
One client in Roseville saw their water bill drop 40% after we installed a zoned system, even though their garden looked better than ever. The secret was stopping the overwatering of drought-tolerant plants while giving thirsty vegetables exactly what they needed.
Chelsey ChristensenDirector of Operations · Eaton Well Drilling and Pump ServiceAs someone who has spent decades in the groundwater business helping Ohio farmers and homeowners with water solutions, I can tell you that installing an irrigation well is the game-changer most gardeners never consider. We've helped countless clients save thousands on their summer water bills while keeping their crops thriving even during severe droughts.
The upfront investment typically pays for itself within 2-3 growing seasons. I've seen families go from $300+ monthly water bills during dry spells to essentially free irrigation once their well system is operational. Your plants get pure, untreated groundwater that's often better quality than municipal supplies.
For immediate solutions while you're considering a well, focus on timing your watering around your soil's absorption rate rather than just plant needs. In our Ohio clay soils, we recommend shorter, more frequent cycles to prevent runoff—maybe 15 minutes every few hours instead of one long session.
The key advantage of well irrigation is unlimited access during water restrictions. While your neighbors are dealing with brown lawns and dying gardens during drought ordinances, you're pulling from your own sustainable water source that isn't affected by municipal limitations.
