So, what is watering deeply?
Meet the Expert
Debbie Neeseis the owner of Offshoot Virtual Landscaping Services.
What Is Watering Deeply?
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“Deep watering is all about getting moisture down to where it really counts,” Neese says.
Watering deeply gets water into those deeper layers of soil where established root systems can access it.
The goal of watering deeply is to water heavily but do it less often.
Plants need a slow soak for root growth and health.
It’s science because it’s proven to encourage better, healthier root growth.
It’s practical because it means it’s crucial that you water less often.
Want more gardening tips?
How Does Watering Deeply Work?
To water your plants deeply, you will need a hose and a watering wand with a shower setting.
Starting early helps you avoid evaporation, too.
Tip
How do you calculate water volume based on watering time?
Neese recommends turning on a timer and timing how long it takes to fill a 10-gallon bucket.
Be sure to use the watering wand and set it on the shower pattern.
Use that as your gauge when watering different plants.
By contrast, newly seeded grass requires light, shallow wateringhalf an inch or so.
After Deeply Watering
Water deeply soaked into the soil is naturally protected from rapid evaporation.
But it’s possible for you to help slow down evaporation by protecting your deeply watered soil.
This will create stronger, more drought-resistant plants in the long run.
Neese says deep watering is best in these circumstances:
Watering All Season Long.
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, Illinois Extension.
