Garden Hoses, Hose Reels, Sprinklers and Water Timers

Watering gear is what carries water from the spigot to the root zone: a hose, a spray wand or nozzle for close work, a timer that shuts the water off for you, and a sprinkler where wet leaves do no harm.

The grow guides give the amounts. University of Minnesota Extension calls one inch of rainfall or irrigation per week ideal for tomatoes. It gives vine crops such as squash at least an inch a week, through a drip hose, a soaker hose or careful watering of the soil so the leaves stay dry, and no sprinkler. Clemson Extension waters peppers and okra until the soil is moist 6 inches down, and waters okra in the morning. For a new carrot row, University of Maryland Extension waters lightly each day in dry weather until the plants are established.

An even schedule matters too: inconsistent watering is one of the causes of blossom-end rot that University of Maryland Extension lists.