Hey everyone! I'm using a 2 zone Rainbird drip irrigation system in my garden, and I'm located in zone 9b in Southern California. My plants are mostly drought tolerant, but they're still young and just entering their second season. I'm trying to figure out the optimal watering cycle, as the information online seems pretty vague. I recently switched to watering for 15 minutes twice a day every third day, which seems to soak the soil enough for the plants to use the water, but I'm wondering if this is the best approach. Any advice or resources would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
For drought-tolerant plants, it's generally better to water longer and less frequently. Since you were watering for just 8 minutes each day, the plants might not have developed deep roots. Use your finger to check the soil or a moisture gauge to see how well the water penetrates. It sounds like your current schedule is on the right track, but maybe adjust the timing a bit based on how the plants respond!
I'm not an expert in your area, but when I use drip irrigation, I usually water for about 40 minutes either once a day or every other day. While it’s easy to overwater, it’s equally important not to let the roots rot—make sure you have good drainage. A good starting point would be to try watering for 20 minutes at night and again early morning. It’s all trial and error; just look out for how your plants are adjusting!
Sticking to your every-third-day watering sounds good, but try increasing the watering duration to give them a good soak. Run the water for about 15 minutes, then check how deep the moisture reaches in the soil. If it’s still dry below the surface, you might need to water longer, especially if your soil is sandy. There’s a useful illustration on page 7 of this drip guide that shows how water spreads out underground. Good luck with your plants!
Thanks for the resource! I appreciate your guidance! 😊
Thanks for the tips! How long do you think it generally takes for the plants to adjust to a new watering cycle? When can I expect to see signs of them responding, whether positive or negative?