A great resource we have here in Northeast Indiana is the Purdue Extension office. Below are a few tips from Rosie Lerner’s article Gardeners-Start Your Sprinklers, click to read the full article.
“Most gardeners are accustomed to watering flower beds and vegetable gardens. These plants require approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to maintain healthy flowers, foliage, roots, and fruits. Watering is most critical at pollination and fruit set time for most vegetable crops. Use a mulch where possible to conserve what moisture there is.
“The best way to apply the water is by thoroughly soaking the soil with water in one application. This deep watering will encourage deeper root growth which in turn will be better able to withstand the drought. Frequent shallow watering encourages shallow roots which are more likely to succumb to heat and drying of the top soil. Sandy soil and containerized plants will need more frequent irrigation.
“Watering of landscape and fruit plants should be aimed at where the roots naturally occur. While these woody plants do have some roots that grow very deep, most of the feeder roots that are responsible for water uptake occur in the top 18 inches of top soil. Most of these feeder roots are concentrated below the dripline of the plant and beyond, not up close to the trunk. Allow water to thoroughly soak the target area.
“The ideal time to water is during the early morning hours, ending by 8:00AM. This makes maximum use of water while allowing foliage to dry,” which helps prevent susceptibility to disease.
These are all good tips and information to take in and keep in mind while you’re tending your plants throughout the growing season.
Landscaping and Design 