How many of us water our yards and plants because we think it is time?
Sure, plants need water obviously, but too much water can destroy them just as quickly as not watering enough. Amy Talbot with the Regional Water Authority says you really should check the moisture content before turning on the sprinklers.
"They'll look at the plants and the plants and they're like the plants drooping or sad or it's really hot, and they decide to water, but really what you need to do is go and look at the soil itself," said Talbot.
Free moisture meters are available from Be Water Smart Info, but you can also the old fashioned way by using a screwdriver.
"If you can push the screwdriver more than three inches below the surface of the soil you don't need to water." she explained. "If can not push the screwdriver in that means the soil is dry and hard, and you need to water."
You can request a free moisture meter by clicking here.