After rainfall, delay or skip the next irrigation cycle only if the rain has reached the plants’ root zones. A brief shower may wet leaves and the soil surface without providing enough moisture for deeper roots.
- Check the soil: Feel the soil a few inches below the surface near the plants. If it is still moist, postpone watering and check again later.
- Account for rainfall amount: A rain gauge can show how much water fell, but soil type matters. Sandy soil drains quickly, while clay soil holds moisture longer.
- Use a rain sensor or controller: If your system has a rain sensor or weather-based controller, confirm it is working and set to pause watering when appropriate.
- Watch for runoff: Heavy rain on sloped or compacted ground may run off before soaking in. Wait for the surface to drain, then assess soil moisture rather than assuming the plants received enough water.
- Consider plant needs: Newly planted areas and containers can dry out sooner than established garden beds, so check them separately.
As a general irrigation scheduling tip, avoid automatically restoring the usual cycle after a storm. Resume watering when the root-zone soil begins to dry, and adjust the next run based on local weather and plant conditions. This helps prevent overwatering while keeping plants supplied with moisture.
