Learning how to water more effectively is good for your plants and economically smart.

Most landscape, lawn, and garden plants could use extra water right now, even amid popup storms and the remnants of ample moisture earlier this year. While watering lawns and gardens sounds simple enough, the way the water is applied can make a big difference to plant health and to your pocketbook. Here are expert tips to keep plants happy and healthy without breaking the bank.

Watering efficiently means paying attention to the moisture level below the soil surface, which may be superficially wet or dry. Soil moisture varies across lawns and garden because of soil characteristics, windbreaks, microclimates and the type of plants growing in the site. Think about the grass next to the curb or sidewalk in full sun versus the grass in a shady place in the middle of the yard, or some hydrangeas, even if growing in full shade, wilt because of their shallow root systems.

To check soil moisture below the surface, use a soil knife, trowel, probe, or small-diameter rod. If soil has ample moisture, each of these instruments should go into the soil easily. If soil is dry, pushing them in is difficult. A soil-moisture meter is another option and gives more scientific results. Just remember to check in more than one location with any of the options.

Once the need for supplemental watering is confirmed, the most basic and general recommendations are:

1. Water deeply and infrequently.

2. Apply water only to plant roots when possible.

3. Water early in the morning.

Notice that using a watering wand to create a shower over the top of a shrub for a few minutes a day failed to make the list. Like mulch volcanoes, this practice has somehow been perpetuated despite being inefficient and ineffective.

Watering deeply and infrequently means applying enough water to thoroughly soak the soil below the surface. Even with containers, water may run off, over, or around hard dry soil. If using a hose, turn the pressure down and give water time to soak into the soil. If using an irrigation system, try to water frequently enough to keep the soil from completely drying out while still avoiding frequent shallow applications.

To determine how long to water, check soil moisture below the surface again after applying what seems like a sufficient amount of water. For shallow-rooted plants such as turfgrass and many annual flowers, soak soil to a depth of six to eight inches. For deeper-rooted plants such as established trees, shrubs, and perennials, soak soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Gardeners who are working to improve their gardening practices are often surprised by the length of time required to water plants to these depths.

Concentrating water to plant roots is best accomplished with drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or low sprays. These methods provide for minimum water loss from evaporation and wind, and they allow water to slowly soak into the soil during application. For trees, remember that roots encompass a large area around the trunk, so a soaker spread across a large area is more beneficial than a single spout next to the base of the tree.

Moisture applied to leaf surfaces (especially in overhead watering) is wasted because it evaporates before dripping off and soaking into the soil where it can be absorbed. Wet leaves are also a favorable environment for plant disease.

Watering early in the morning reduces water loss from evaporation and wind and is most important if using spray irrigation systems or sprinklers.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show.” Send your gardening questions and feedback to features@ljworld.com.