Irrigation Basics: Watering your Lawn
Okay, you set the sprinkler on the lawn, give the faucet a half turn and walk away. When you remember, you turn the water off again. Lawn watered.
Well, not quite. There’s a little more to watering than that if you want a great looking lawn. Let’s take a look.
How much water does your lawn really need?
About an inch a week – either from rain or from your faucet. Want to check to see if you’re measuring up? Read our article on how to make a simple rain gauge.
Best time to water?
Morning. Get going as the sun comes up. The water will sink in rather than evaporate. So why shouldn’t you water at night time? Because your lawn stands a better chance of getting diseases like mold if you water at night. Mother Nature may choose to do this occasionally, but you can control it. Allow enough time for your grass to dry before nightfall.
Can you water too much?
You bet. And it can cause problems. Soggy or constantly moist lawn, especially when combined with warm temperatures, invites fungal diseases and insect pests to take hold and do damage.
Can I just get the cheapest water hose?
Well, you could…but don’t expect it to last very long. Or perform the way you might want it to. Hoses that cost a few dollars more are generally more flexible (they won’t get tied up in a permanent bunch of kinks), have brass fittings that will last longer than plastic, and will be the right diameter (think of the amount of water going through the hose) and length to get the job done. For more details, read How to Choose a Garden Hose.
There are water restrictions where I live – what should I do?
If you can’t continue to water, it’s best to let your lawn go dormant. It will look straw-colored, but will pop back when the rain comes. Don’t give your lawn just a little sip of water now and then during a drought – that will only stress it more.
