Water at Soil Level, Not on Leaves

Direct water to the base of plants using drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or a carefully aimed watering can. Avoid overhead sprinklers that wet foliage. Water early in the morning so that any incidental splash on leaves dries quickly in the sun before evening humidity sets in.

Why It Works

Fungal and bacterial pathogens need a film of moisture on leaf surfaces to germinate and penetrate plant tissue. Overhead watering creates exactly those conditions, especially in the evening when drying is slow. Soil-level watering keeps foliage dry and delivers moisture directly to the root zone where it is needed.

Tips

• Mulch around plants to reduce soil splash onto lower leaves during heavy watering
• Soaker hoses are inexpensive and easy to lay along rows
• If you must use a sprinkler, run it only in the early morning
• Check soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering, which also promotes root rot