by Anne Wiskind, Fulton County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer
This article is part of Garden Buzz, a series from Appen Media and the North Fulton Master Gardeners, where rotating columnists explore horticulture topics like herbs, insects, and wildlife conservation. Find all Garden Buzz articles here.
It has now moved into a long, HOT, DRY summer, and many of our flower beds are feeling the heat. How can we help them survive and thrive? As our summers get hotter, water may become a more limited resource. Outdoor watering can account for 50% or more of household water used during the summer months.
Studies have shown that homeowners often water their plants too much and too frequently, resulting in unhealthy plants with shallow roots that are more susceptible to disease and pest infestation.
Although sprinkler irrigation is preferred for turf lawns, flowers and shrubs benefit more from trickle or micro-irrigation where water is applied slowly and directly to the roots of plants using small, flexible pipes. Drip irrigation minimizes water loss from evaporation and run-off and uses 30-50% less water than sprinkler irrigation. It also keeps foliage dry, which decreases the risk of disease.
There are many kinds of drip irrigation systems, but most consist of buried PVC pipes for main lines, polyethylene tubing for water distribution, emitters, a control valve, water filter and a pressure regulator.
An easier and less expensive alternative is to use soaker hoses available online and from most garden stores. They can be flat or round and made from PVC or recycled rubber. While flat soaker hoses are good for straight, long stretches, round soaker hoses can be curved around flowers and shrubs for direct root watering. This also avoids watering the parts of the bed where there are no plants but where weeds will happily grow when watered.
The first step to setting up a soaker hose irrigation system is to measure the areas you want to water. Soaker hoses come in lengths of 25 to 100 feet, as well as “soaker hose systems” with lengths of hose that can be cut and various connectors to customize your system.
Keep in mind extra length may be needed to wind around plants. The round hoses are tightly coiled when removed from their packaging, so it is important to stretch them out in the sun to make them easier to handle before placing them in your garden bed. It is also a good idea to flush them with water to make sure there is even moisture coming from the entire length of the hose.
The hose can be laid directly on the soil and then covered with a layer of mulch. Garden pegs are invaluable for holding the hose in place while winding it around your garden plants. Hose splitters may be needed to attach multiple hoses from one water source. Regular garden hoses may also be needed to connect the soaker hose to the water source.
Adding automated timers with a rain sensor makes the process seamless. Timers should be set to water between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. If you are watering multiple areas, stagger the scheduled days or times to maintain water pressure. When using automated timers, the spigots will always be open, so it is imperative there are no leaks or drips.
Sometimes washers and hose ends must be replaced. Using plumber’s tape and a plumber’s wrench are key in having drip free connections. It is also a good idea to check your water pressure, as most hose work best at 60 psi and may burst at pressures of 100 psi or greater.
So how much water does a soaker hose deliver? The only way to truly know is to place the soaker hose in a bucket for an hour and measure the output. Water output depends on the hose diameter and manufacturer. Often the hose manufacturer’s website will give an estimate of the output/hour. Another option is to stick a finger or soil probe in the soil after 30 minutes of watering and assess the soil moisture. The soil should be moist to a depth of 2 inches and extend about 1 inch on either side of the hose. The frequency and length of watering can be adjusted accordingly. Soaker hoses don’t work well past 100 feet of length or uphill.
The goal is to water deeply and infrequently. A general rule of thumb is that established perennials and shrubs should only be watered one inch per week. Annuals and new plantings will need to be watered more frequently. A rain gauge in your yard may help you determine how much to water, as well as checking your soil and plant health. A soaker hose system can simplify the process.
Happy Gardening!
Learn More
- Irrigation for Lawns and Gardens (UGA Extension)
- Using Water Wisely with Automated Irrigation Systems (UGA Extension)
About the Author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Anne Wiskind, a Master Gardener who completed her Fulton County Master Gardener curriculum and internship in April 2025. She is a life-long gardener with an active interest in ecological gardening and encouraging biodiversity. Anne is appreciative of the mentorship from the North Fulton County Master Gardeners during her training.
