Watering 101: Save money, keep plants healthy by heeding this watering guidelines

Watering your garden wisely not only will result in healthier plants, but also you'll save money and time to boot.

Here in Iowa we're lucky. Lawns and gardens do best with about 1 inch of water a week, and for the most part, we get that. However, there are dry spells that require additional watering. Here's how to do it efficiently for the healthiest plants.

Water Less Often and Deeply

As much as possible, follow the golden rule of watering: Water deeply and well rather than shallow and often. If you water often, the roots stay where the moisture is - the surface - and grow shallow. Watering deeper and less often encourages them to grow downward where the soil stays moister longer.

Water 1 Inch a Week

Most plants do best with about 1 inch of water a week. If you haven't had an inch of rain for a week, apply an inch of water from the hose or sprinkler. So how can you tell how much water you've applied? Set out an old cake pan, margarine tub, or other shallow, flat container where the sprinkler will hit it.

No Wilting Allowed

By the time wilting has occurred, plants are already stressed. And a wilted plant instantly becomes more susceptible to insect, disease and other problems.

Instead, look for early warning signs. Keep an eye on the soil and take note when it's hard or dry. Wiggle your finger or a stick into the soil to check. Also note if plants' leaves are becoming less glossy.

Another trick: Look at your impatiens. These thirsty plants are usually the first to show signs of dryness.

Water Early in the Day

Watering right before sunrise is ideal, so set up a timer. You'll avoid the heat of the day and prevent evaporation. Early watering also allows plants to dry off well before nightfall, when fungal diseases take root.

Water the Soil

Avoid spraying plant foliage during watering since it makes them more prone to disease. Of course, sometimes you'll need to use a sprinkler, and getting the leaves and flowers wet will be unavoidable. But when using a hose or watering can, water just the soil.

Better yet, consider investing in a drip-emitter system or micro-sprinklers. I like black soaker hoses but only if they are on top of the soil and covered with mulch (for appearances) so you can remove them each fall. If you bury them, they always seem to get sliced with a spade. These types of hoses slowly apply water exactly where you want it without waste.

Baby Seeds and New Plantings

For these plants, some extra TLC is required. Grass seed needs daily watering (or rain) until blades are about 1 inch high. Other seeds need soil to be kept evenly moist. New plantings of annuals and perennials should be watered every two or three days, as needed, to prevent wilting for about a week or two after they're planted.

l Veronica Lorson Fowler is co-publisher of The Iowa Gardener website at www.theiowagardener.com.