- The simplest and most effective way of knowing when to water is to explore the soil. Dig down and feel, smell and see whether the soil is moist.
- Another way to tell whether or not to water is to look at your plants. When plants need watering the leaves wilt, lose colour, and turn grey. If the leaves are firm, then the plant is fine. It's important to learn which are good indicator plants in the garden. No textbook can tell you, it's one of those acquired skills that gardeners develop.
- Water in the morning if you have fungal problems so the sun dries off the leaves; or the evening if you want your plants to have all night to soak it up. Either method will reduce evaporation and the amount of water you use.
- Surface watering damages plants. Roots grow towards the surface, where the soil is hotter and they're more prone to drought. Water plants deeply, ensuring the water penetrates to at least 30 centimetres. This will draw the roots further down into the cool soil, and will firmly anchor the roots and develop good plants.
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