Hand watering with a wand (best technique)

Hand watering with a quality watering wand remains viable for 1-3 raised beds and offers the advantage of personally inspecting plants during each watering session. The key is technique: use a wand with a soft shower or rose head attachment to deliver water gently at the soil surface, not on foliage. Water deeply and less frequently rather than shallow daily sprinkles. Insert your finger 2-3 inches into soil; water when it feels dry at that depth. A 4x8 bed needs approximately 20-30 gallons per watering session (roughly 5-7 minutes with a standard hose). Water in the early morning (before 10 AM) to minimize evaporation and give foliage time to dry, reducing fungal disease risk. Avoid watering in the evening as wet foliage overnight promotes disease. During peak summer heat, raised beds may need watering every 1-2 days. A quality watering wand ($15-25, brands: Dramm, Gardena) with an adjustable head and shut-off valve saves water versus an open hose. This method is impractical for more than 3-4 beds or for gardeners who travel frequently.