Overwatering wastes money and drowns roots. Underwatering stunts growth and stresses plants. Our watering calculator helps you find the sweet spot for your specific garden.
Enter your garden size, select your plant types, and choose your climate zone. The calculator estimates your weekly water needs in gallons, suggests a watering schedule, and projects your monthly water cost based on local rates.
Most garden plants need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall, according to University of Minnesota Extension. But needs vary widely by plant type, soil, and season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does a garden need per week?
Most garden plants need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This equals about 0.6 gallons per square foot per week. Sandy soil may need more frequent watering, while clay soil retains moisture longer.
Is it better to water in the morning or evening?
Water in the early morning (6-10 AM). This reduces evaporation loss and gives foliage time to dry before nightfall, which prevents fungal diseases.
How do I know if I’m overwatering my garden?
Signs of overwatering include yellowing lower leaves, wilting despite wet soil, mushy stems, fungal growth on soil surface, and a sour smell from the root zone.