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Don’t just assume your landscape needs watering. You might think you can tell by looking at your plants or by the weather reports, but the best and most accurate way is to check the soil’s moisture level. It’s easy to do and doesn’t require a lot of time.
Here are some ways to check:
- Use a moisture meter. This is the most effective way to tell if you need to water your yard. Moisture meters feature an easy-to-read dial that indicates if the soil is dry, moist, or wet. Simply push the moisture meter into the soil six to eight inches deep and check the reading. Make sure to check a few different spots in your yard and your potted plants as well; and then water accordingly.
- Do the screwdriver test. Stick an eight-inch screwdriver into the soil. If you can push it in more than three inches below the surface, you don’t need to water.
- Dig down six to eight inches with a small shovel or trowel and grab a handful of soil. Roll the soil around in the palm of your hand. If the soil easily forms a ball in your hand, you don’t need to water.
Properly watering your landscape will not only help you use water wisely, but it will also keep your plants healthier. They’ll get the right amount of water, and you’ll make sure every drop counts.
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