In a surprisingly short amount of time after a summer rain shower, the soil can look dry and badly in need of irrigation. Keeping soil properly watered – and in turn feeding the precious plant roots it harbors – can be a challenge through the middle of summer. Knowing how and when to water can make the difference between a lackluster garden and a gorgeous plot of bountiful earth.

It may sound somewhat absurd to imply that there is a “right” and a “wrong” way to irrigate the garden. After all, nothing could be simpler than standing at the end of a hose, spraying plants and enjoying the greenery, flowers and fruits of your labor. Right? Yet, indeed, it is true: There is a correct way to water. Please keep the following factors in mind as you tend your gardens, containers and landscape plantings for the remaining summer months.

Water in the evening, if possible. Adequately supplementing natural rainfall with well, spring or pond water is best undertaken in the early evening hours. Irrigating at this time of day allows plants to take up water overnight, and begin the new day fully turgid – full of water – and ready to meet the demanding process of photosynthesis. If it’s just not possible to water in the evening, try to do it in the early morning. Avoid watering in the middle of a hot day.

Direct the water at the root zone, not the leaves. One common mistake is to shower the leaves of plants. It is the plant roots which are responsible for gathering water for plant processes, and as such, must be the area where the water is applied. Watering leaves may contribute to disease, particularly fungal problems, and should be avoided.

Consider the accuracy of various irrigation methods. Although not labor-intensive, ever-common overhead sprinkler systems are perhaps the most inefficient means of watering the garden in terms of water use. Overhead systems violate the previous suggestion by watering all of the garden space, including pathways and spaces where desirable plants may not be growing.

Watering with soaker hoses or by trickle irrigation is very efficient. Water seeps slowly into the root zone if placed carefully near the base of individual plants.

Be sure your garden plants receive at least 1 inch of rainfall, irrigation or a combination of both each week. Rain gauges are fairly inexpensive and readily available at most home and garden centers or seed supply stores, or in catalogs. The investment in a gauge can give the gardener a quick and accurate measurement of rainfall if read immediately after a shower.

Mulch garden beds with a 2- or 3-inch layer of composted leaves, bark mulch, shredded or sheets of paper or any of a variety of acceptable materials, including black or infrared, transmitting plastic. Mulch helps reduce water loss from the soil through the process of evaporation, and can remarkably affect plant health and productivity.

Proper irrigation and water conservation makes sense economically, ecologically and in terms of what rewards we reap from our gardens. July and August can be the most demanding months for gardens. These months also tend to be the time we expect the most from our crops. Do your crops a favor by keeping up with their increasing water demands. They won’t disappoint you!

Diana George Chapin is the NEWS garden columnist. Send horticulture questions to Gardening Questions, 512 North Ridge Road, Montville 04941 or e-mail dianagc@midcoast.com. Selected questions will be answered in future columns. Include name, address and telephone number.