Watering your garden is the most important thing you can do for it! Of course, gardeners are always wondering how, when, where, and how much. How much water to use in your garden will vary depending on the plant life you have present in your garden, and your climate, but the how-when-where question will have a definite answer.
Where
It should be obvious that the most effective way to use irrigation is to deliver the water directly to the root zone of your plants. Using overhead sprayers can waste water and cause damage to your plants! Choose a in-ground system or one that rests just on the ground for the best results.
When
If you water your plants during the heat of the day you risk burning your plants due to the magnification of the sun’s rays through water droplets. It’s also better not to leave your plants wet overnight in order to avoid mold and mildew. The best time to water is in the morning before the sun comes up in order to avoid too much excess evaporation, allowing the water to be absorbed by thirsty plants.
How
A drip irrigation system or one that uses micro head sprayers will be the best choice to water your garden effectively. A small upfront investment into a decent irrigation system will save you tons of time and money later on down the road.