How often do I have to water my vegetable bed in summer?

On hot days a strong dose of 15 to 20 litres per square metre every three to four days is usually enough. More important than a rigid rhythm is the finger test: if the soil is still moist five centimetres down, wait. A well-mulched, humus-rich soil often gets by even longer without water.

Is it better to water in the morning or the evening?

Morning between 5 and 9 am is best. The soil is cool, little evaporates, and wet foliage dries off in the morning sun before fungi settle in. Evening works in a pinch, but keeps the foliage damp all night and attracts slugs. In the midday heat you should not water.

Why do my leaves wilt despite daily watering?

Often the cause is too little, but too often: shallow watering keeps the roots high, and those dry out again immediately. Check the soil with your finger first. If it is wet and the plant still wilts, waterlogging may have damaged the roots. In midday heat many plants only roll up their leaves temporarily and recover by evening.

How much water does a tomato in a pot need?

Large tomatoes in a tub in full sun often want water morning and evening on hot days, because the pot dries out fast. Always water at the root, until it comes out below, and empty the saucer after half an hour. A mulch layer on the pot soil and a spot with some midday shade noticeably reduce the thirst.

Do I have to water my lawn in summer?

No, an established lawn does not need watering. It turns straw-yellow in drought, rests and greens up again after the next rain on its own. If you want to keep it green, water rarely and deeply: once a week 15 to 20 litres per square metre. Daily short sprinkling does more harm than good.

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MagazineJuly 12, 2026 · 10 min read · Updated August 2, 2026

Watering done right: deep and infrequent, and different for beds, pots and lawn

Why daily watering weakens your plants and why deep, infrequent watering almost always wins. With clear amounts for beds, pots and lawn, the finger test, and tricks that save you watering rounds.

The Gartenkern team

Garden & editorial