Water is the vehicle that carries nutrients to your plants and through their system. Here are some ways to make sure they get what they need.
Irrigation Systems. A below ground sprinkler system is the most convenient way to make sure your new yard gets the water it requires. Once installed, an irrigation system becomes a "set it and forget it" tool for the home gardener. After the initial installation, your system may need some adjustments to make sure plants get evenly watered. The system is very easy to fix if any pipes break or if new sprayer heads are necessary. There are many companies that specialize in irrigation installation; however, these systems are easy to install for the handy do-it-yourselfer. Your local home improvement center will have all the things you need, including a planning guide. Ask if they offer a free class on irrigation system construction.
Drip Irrigation. A drip irrigation system can be even more efficient that a sprinkler system because it delivers the water directly to the root zone. This is also an easy project for the handy homeowner. It can be set on the same time controller as the sprinkler irrigation system. Because much of the system sits above ground it is very easy to reposition, but it can also be cut easily with a shovel. Your system can be a combination of sprinklers and drip irrigation. You are only limited by your creativity.
Soaker Hoses. If the thought of installing a sprinkler or drip irrigation system is too much for you, then a soaker hose may be a great alternative. These hoses are readily available and can be placed on top or below the mulch layer. You can attach several of these together, or they can be attached to the end of a traditional water hose in order to get them to the right spot. A timer can automate the watering cycle for greater convenience.
Water Hoses. You can water your yard and beds by hand if you prefer. Plants are more drought tolerant when they grow deep roots. One way to encourage deep root growth is to water deeply. A full hour of water once a week is better than 5 minutes of water every day. New transplants will have shallow roots so they need more frequent watering. You can help their roots deepen by gradually increasing the watering time while decreasing the frequency of waterings. It is better to water in the early morning than in the evening. During the day, water on leaf surfaces has a chance to evaporate. At night that same water can become a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria.
