Watering is one of the simplest yet most misunderstood aspects of gardening. It’s easy to fall into the habit of a quick sprinkle every day, thinking we’re doing the right thing. But in reality, this approach does more harm than good. Instead, watering deeply and less frequently is the key to nurturing strong, resilient plants that can withstand the extremes of our climate.
What Does Deep Watering Mean?
Deep watering is about ensuring moisture reaches the entire root zone of a plant rather than just wetting the surface of the soil. When you water deeply, the water soaks into the soil, encouraging roots to grow further down in search of moisture. This is in stark contrast to a light sprinkle, which only wets the top few centimetres of soil and encourages shallow roots that are more vulnerable to heat, drought, and fluctuations in weather.
The Benefits of Watering Deeply
• Encourages Deep Root Growth
When plants develop deep roots, they can access moisture stored further down in the soil, making them more self-sufficient. This means they require less frequent watering and are far better equipped to cope with dry spells.
• Reduces Water Waste
A light sprinkle often evaporates before it can penetrate the soil, particularly in the heat of the day. Deep watering allows moisture to reach the root zone, where it’s needed most, reducing runoff and wastage.
• Promotes Plant Resilience
Plants with deeper root systems are more resilient to environmental stress. Whether it’s a scorching summer or an unexpected dry period, they can draw on the moisture stored deeper in the soil, reducing their dependency on irrigation.
• Improves Soil Health
Regular, deep watering encourages beneficial microbial activity in the soil, which in turn supports plant health. A well-hydrated soil structure retains nutrients more effectively, leading to stronger, more productive plants.
How to Water Deeply and Effectively
1. Water Less Often, But for Longer
Rather than giving your plants a quick sprinkle every day, aim to water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the season and soil type. This allows the moisture to soak in and encourages roots to grow deeper.
2. Use the Right Method
Soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or slow, steady watering with a hose at the base of plants ensures the water is delivered where it’s needed—at root level—without unnecessary evaporation.
3. Water Early or Late in the Day
Watering in the early morning or late afternoon reduces evaporation and ensures the water has time to penetrate before the heat of the day sets in.
4. Mulch to Retain Moisture
A thick layer of organic mulch (such as straw, bark, or compost) around plants helps lock in moisture, reducing the frequency of watering while keeping the soil cool.
5. Check Soil Moisture
To gauge whether your plants truly need watering, dig a few centimetres into the soil with your hand. If it’s dry below the surface, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, you can hold off.
Watering for a More Sustainable Garden
By shifting away from frequent shallow watering and embracing deep watering techniques, you’re not only saving time and water—you’re also fostering a garden that is more independent, resilient, and in tune with natural cycles. Plants that learn to seek moisture deep in the soil will reward you with stronger growth, increased productivity, and the ability to withstand the harsh conditions so common in our climate.
If you’d like to dive deeper into sustainable gardening practices, join me for a workshop on productive gardening.
Explore my workshops:
~ Garden Design with Natasha Morgan – Craft a garden that balances structure, beauty, and functionality.
~ The Productive Garden with Natasha Morgan – Learn how to grow abundantly, no matter your space.
~ The Wicking Bed Garden with Natasha Morgan – Build a self-watering, water-wise garden for effortless growing.
~ Preserving The Seasons with Natasha Morgan – Capture seasonal flavours with time-honoured preserving techniques.
~ Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping with Saffron and Natasha – Learn how to raise happy, healthy chickens at home.
And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and my Newsletter for more gardening wisdom.
Thanks so much for following along.
Natasha xx
