Hillsboro Watering Basics

What Time of Day Should I Water?

You should water your garden or landscape before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. when temperatures are cooler and the air is calmer so that evaporation is kept to a minimum.

How Long Should I Water?

The amount you water your garden or landscape should be based on your garden’s soil conditions and your plant’s water needs. On average, we recommend watering your lawn about an inch a week – a bit more during long, hot, dry spells and a bit less during the cooler spring and fall.

Trees, shrubs, and perennials typically don’t need water as frequently, however they may require more volume at each cycle, so it is best to check with your local garden center or landscape professional on your plant’s specific water needs.

How Often Should I Water?

We recommend watering established landscapes twice a week. Watering thoroughly, but infrequently, will help roots go deeper, resulting in more water–efficient, drought–tolerant plants. Newer plantings, vegetables, and potted plants may need more frequent watering.

Following are some general guidelines:

• Winter:  No irrigation is needed as plants are dormant.

• Spring:  Water needs increase when plants start growing, but rainfall is often sufficient.  Ongoing sprinkling may not be necessary. Watering seldom but deeply will encourage healthy root growth.

• Summer: Water needs increase until late July, and then begin declining.  Daily watering may be beneficial during brief very hot periods, but 4 to 5 days per week is often plenty.

• Fall:  With days getting shorter, water needs are coming down, so even during warm periods, water less often than during the summer. Some sprinkling may be needed until rains arrive, but irrigation systems can typically be shut off near the end of October.

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