Autumn presents an ideal opportunity for both planting and transplanting, assuming that there’s sufficient soil moisture to support the establishment of plant root systems. It’s crucial to note that inconsistent watering or a lack of rainfall during this critical period can quickly lead to the failure of newly planted vegetation.
Therefore, it’s valuable to acquire some techniques to simplify, enhance, and optimize the watering process.
A rule of thumb for the initial year after planting is as follows: If the natural rainfall falls short of an inch per week, it’s advisable to provide supplementary watering. During the winter months, when the ground is frozen, and deciduous plants are devoid of foliage, watering is generally unnecessary.
However, you may consider occasional watering during winter if there happens to be an unusually warm or dry spell, and the ground remains unfrozen.
Achieve Strong Roots via Deep Watering
Efficient watering practices are essential for encouraging deep root penetration into the soil. When watering is done quickly and superficially, it only saturates the top few inches of soil, leading to shallow root growth.
The type of soil in your garden plays a significant role in determining the amount and frequency of watering required.
Sandy soil, which lacks organic matter, has the potential to become hydrophobic and repel water when it completely dries out. In such cases, a slow and prolonged watering session becomes necessary to rehydrate the soil effectively.
Conversely, soil with a high clay content can be challenging to rehydrate after drying out, and when oversaturated, it retains moisture in the tiny pores between soil particles for extended periods.
To tailor your watering practices to your specific soil type, consider conducting a soil composition test through your local extension agency. This test will provide valuable information about your garden soil’s makeup, enabling you to adjust your watering strategies accordingly.

Watering Options
If you prefer not to spend your day moving sprinklers around, there are convenient alternatives available.
Gator bags offer a practical solution. These are rigid plastic pouches that zip together and can hold a substantial amount of water. These bags stand independently, even when not filled, and feature small perforations at the bottom that release water gradually over many hours. They are particularly well-suited for large balled and burlapped trees or sizable container specimens.
Another option is watering doughnuts, which are ideal for smaller trees or shrubs. These function similarly to gator bags in terms of water distribution but hold less water and have a lower profile.
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to remember that slow and deep watering is the most effective approach. If you’re unsure whether the entire soil profile has been adequately saturated, you can verify the moisture content of the soil by digging down at least 6 inches approximately an hour after watering.
This helps ensure your plants receive the right amount of moisture for healthy growth.