How to Water Your Garden the Right Way (and Avoid Root Rot & Blight)

Spritzing plant leaves for two minutes every afternoon with a hose nozzle feels productive, but it is one of the worst things you can do for your garden. Shallow surface moisture evaporates quickly, coaxing roots toward the dry surface and leaving wet foliage vulnerable to fungal spores.

The 2-Inch Knuckle Test

Before picking up the watering can, push your index finger two inches down into the soil near the root zone. If it feels cool and damp, step away! If it feels dry and powdery at the knuckle level, give the root zone a deep, slow soak.