Late-summer heat can turn a garden hose into a surprisingly effective money vacuum. When temperatures climb, gardeners often respond by watering longer, watering more frequently, or simply watering everything because the soil looks dry on top. That can keep plants hydrated, but it can also send perfectly good water down the driveway, into the air, or somewhere far below the roots that actually need it.
The good news: saving water does not require letting the garden turn crispy. Small changes in when, where, and how water reaches the soil can make a noticeable difference. The trick involves giving plants enough moisture without treating every hot afternoon like an emergency.
