When (and how much) to water in Utah — print version.
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SUS Farms · Utah Gardening
When (and how much) to water in Utah
water · beginner · ~5 min read
In Utah, "deep and infrequent" beats "shallow and daily" every time. Shallow watering trains roots to stay near the surface where the soil dries fastest. Deep watering pushes roots down where the soil stays wet longer.
The 1-inch rule
Most Utah vegetables need 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. That's about 0.6 gallons per square foot. Measure with a tuna can or a rain gauge — most home sprinklers put down WAY more than people realize.
Time of day
Early morning is best. Soil takes water in deeply, leaves dry before evening (less fungal disease), and you lose less to evaporation than midday watering. Evening watering risks slug and disease pressure.
Use the soil probe test
Stick a long screwdriver into the bed. If it pushes in 6+ inches with light pressure, you don't need to water yet. If it stops at 2 inches, water deeply. Cheaper and more reliable than electronic moisture meters.
Adjust by season and crop
Hot July: 1.5 inches/week. Cool May or September: 0.5 inches. Tomatoes once fruiting: less water for sweeter fruit. Lettuce: never let it dry out or it bolts.