Housekeeping · Outdoor watering

A garden watering routine that avoids runoff

Check recent rain and plant needs, aim water at the landscape, and stop runoff or pooling.

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Wikimedia Commons · Chandapiwa Malema / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 (original photograph, unmodified). · CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication ↗

More watering is not always better. EPA WaterSense recommends adjusting for weather, soil and plant needs, avoiding peak midday evaporation and stopping when pooling begins. Observe local water restrictions and property rules.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Group lawn, shrubs and container plants by their different watering needs.
Check recent rainfall, soil moisture and season before deciding whether to water.
Avoid intense midday evaporation and respect local watering hours and neighbors.
Point hoses or sprinklers toward soil and roots rather than sidewalks or roads.
Stop if water pools or runs off; when appropriate, split watering into shorter cycles with soak breaks.
Inspect leaks and clogged heads monthly and revise the schedule with weather changes.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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