April showers bring May flowers and an abundance of gardening information.

Everywhere you turn, new techniques, tips and tricks offer advice to help with the new growing season.

While some information we find is scientific and based on research-based evidence, other items can contain misinformation and derail our efforts.

Watering is one of the most frequent tasks we perform as gardeners.

We often misjudge a plant’s need for water, either dehydrating them through neglect or drowning them with love.

Plants can’t say when they need a “drink,” but we can observe them to get that balance right to help with the growing process.

When we can get this balance correct, we can grow healthy, productive plants and minimize disease.

Here are some common misconceptions about watering.

“Watering each day is best to keep plants hydrated.”

Soil moisture is essential for proper plant growth.

A healthy plant can contain up to 90 percent water which is used for essential functions such as movement of nutrients and photosynthesis.

Every plant is different in its requirements.

New seedlings and established trees will have different requirements for water consumption.

Frequent light watering can cause the development of a shallow root system close to the surface, leading to vulnerability during times of drought for new plants.

More established plants with deep root systems may benefit from infrequent deep watering.

The amount of water needed by each plant is dependent on multiple factors: weather and time of year, type of soil, type of plant, stage of growth and location.

Consider investing in a soaker hose to place water at the root area for better absorption and mulching to preserve the water where it is needed and reduce evaporation.

If possible, avoid watering the foliage of the plant which can lead to disease.

“Drought-tolerant plants do not need to be watered.”

Xeriscape is a style of landscape design in which the plants and shrubs are selected based on their requirement of needing little irrigation.

While the moisture requirements may be lower, all plants need water.

These low-moisture plants may be better equipped to take up and store water for times of drought by slowing their growth and shedding their leaves to accommodate the lack of water.

However, all new plants will require frequent watering to establish their root system, and the plants used in a xeriscape are no exception.

“Sunlight-focused water droplets will burn leaves.”

Leaf damage can occur because of many causes: too much or too little moisture, insect damage, disease, over-fertilization and weather conditions such as wind or frost, not sun scorching.

Usually, the rate of evaporation is quick, especially on the hottest, most intense, sunny day.

For example, a midday rain can cool off foliage during a summer day.

The best time for watering plants is in the early morning to avoid evaporation and reduce the potential for disease.

“It rained; I don’t have to water today.”

A downpour can be deceiving.

Storms tend to lead to water running off more than soaking into the ground to be used by our plants, leaving the soil surprisingly dry despite puddles on your patio and drops of water on plant leaves.

Consider using a moisture meter, a finger, or even a stick to assess your soil for the required moisture for successful growing.

Watering plants correctly is vital for maintaining the health and longevity of our gardens.

Using proper watering techniques can preserve the health of our plants, protect water resources wasted by runoff and evaporation, and minimize disease.

Knowing the “what” and “when” of watering in your garden is the key to growing healthy plants and conserving this precious resource.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613