Plants need water, but the trick is to make sure that they are receiving the proper amount.  Plants will require more water in the spring and summer then in the fall and winter.  The spring and summer months are the months that the plants do their growing.  People often wonder, how much water is enough?  While there are many factors that can determine this, there are a few general guidelines to follow.   

It is important to give your plants the right amount of water.  Giving the plant too much or too little water can cause stress to the plant.  This can result in stunted growth and, in some cases, even death.  Generally, a plant will need about an inch of water (or rain fall) per week.  The climate that the plant is in can alter this amount.  If a plant is in a very hot and dry climate, more than 1 inch per week might be necessary.  If a plant is in a cooler, wet climate, then less water might be needed.  Checking the soil moisture is a good way to determine if more or less water is needed.  This can be accomplished by moving the soil on the surface and making sure that the soil underneath is cool and moist.  You can also purchase tools that allow you to check the moisture of the soil, if you want to be more precise.

The next question becomes, what is the best way to apply the water?  In an ideal situation, Mother Nature would take care of that for us.  However, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands.  Slowly applying water to your plants is the best way to water.  If water is applied to quickly, it may not sink into the soil for the roots to pick up.  This can also cause soil erosion.  A slow watering allows the water to be absorbed deeper into the soil.  This helps create stronger, deeper roots for the plant (which leads to a more hardy plant).

Water can be applied in a variety of ways.  This will mainly depend on the size of your garden and which method you prefer.  Using a watering can or using a hose by hand are two good choices.  These methods are more commonly used in smaller gardens.  Sprinklers and irrigation systems are often used for larger gardens.  If you want to make sure that you are staying at about an inch of water, you may want to measure the amount of water that you are applying.  You can purchase tubes that measure rain fall at a local garden center or hardware store.  You can also just place a small container and just use a ruler.

It is also important to remember that different plants need different amounts of water.  Some plants like moist soil and require a lot of watering, others are more drought resistant and can conserve water even in dry soil.  Getting to know the needs of your plants will determine how much water they need.  Mulching around your plants can help conserve water for your plants.  Using a think layer of mulch will help the soil retain its moisture.  This is a good idea if you happen to be in a hot dry climate.  You also want to make sure that you eliminate weeds as often as possible.  They are plants too, and they will take the moisture away from your desired plants. 

It is very important to apply the correct amount of water in the spring and summer.  Not only is this the time that plants are growing, but it is also when they are vulnerable.  Making sure they have enough water to maintain their hardiness will ensure that you get the results you want out of your garden.