As the weather heats up, it is crucial to know how to adequately water your lawn and garden beds. The last thing you want to do is kill the new flowers and shrubs you planted this year simply because the watering was done improperly.

The guidelines for watering state that your lawn should receive one-half-inch of water twice each week. You want to spread out the watering so that this is done about once every three days. The only time this should become a more frequent chore is if the weather becomes excruciatingly hot and dry.

The best way to monitor how much additional watering your lawn needs is to keep a rain gauge outside. The rain gauge will allow you to find out how long to water your lawn until your gauge fills with one-half-inch of water. Be sure to place the gauge in the path of the sprinkler and to check the gauge frequently so you know how long your sprinkler should be on.

Depending on which type of sprinkler you choose, the number of hours you end up watering your lawn and how often you move your sprinkler could vary significantly. The most efficient sprinkler is your traditional and reliable impulse/impact sprinkler. With these sprinklers you want to make sure they turn properly and spray a strong stream of water in a fan-like motion. The impulse sprinklers are nice because they evenly spray the water in one direction and then back again in the other. There are a few adjustments you can make to the sprinkler to decide which specific areas of your lawn you might want the water to focus on.

Once you set-up the sprinkler settings so that they meet your expectations, then it is time to test it out! Put your gauge out with your sprinkler and find out how long it takes for the gauge to fill with half an inch of water. You might have to move your sprinkler once or twice to make sure all of your lawn is watered. This of course will double or triple the amount of time required for watering your lawn.

If you prefer to purchase an oscillating sprinkler, one of the more modern types that cover a larger surface area, then keep in mind that the time it takes to adequately water your lawn is tripled. With this type of sprinkler, the water is pushed high into the air and blown into many directions. Continue to use your rain gauge to determine how long to water your lawns if using an oscillating sprinkler.

Watering your lawn properly will result in an attractive, healthy looking landscape.