Even before drought seemed to hit every year, watering was essential. As I write this, this spring is already looking drier than usual.

Water perennial flower transplants and shrubs every day for the first month or two.

Vegetable seedlings also need regular watering. If it hasn’t rained for two days, water your seedlings.

Water seeds as soon as you put them in, and every other day after that.

Don’t haul out the hose. Fill a watering can (preferably from the rain barrel you’ve installed) and walk around the garden. You will enjoy looking at the plants, see any problems as soon as they develop and you won’t waste water. — TOM ATWELL