By Jeanne Yeoman, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
After a hot summer, August can be a tough time for gardeners. Watering is the most important thing to do to keep your yard and garden at its best. Rather than watering on a set schedule, check soil moisture daily to see if your plants need water. Generally, if the soil is dry at a finger’s depth, it’s time to water.
Plants growing in containers and raised beds, as well as newly planted plants, will need to be monitored more closely than established perennials, trees, and shrubs.
Turf grass needs water when it turns a slight shade of blue-gray, and footprints remain visible. You can also insert a screwdriver to check the soil moisture at the roots, approximately six inches.