Unfortunately, it is also a limited resource which is shrinking because of pollution, over use, and global warming. What this should teach us is that we need to be very cautious with the water we use. Not only does wasting water have a poor effect on the planet, it also makes it difficult for gardens to grow. Simply using allot of water on your garden, lawn, or flowers is not the best strategy for healthy plant growth. If you want to help your plants to become healthy, large, and beautiful, the best strategy is to use the water you have wisely. There are certain techniques you can use when watering that will dramatically improve the health of your garden. Below I describe some of these techniques and give some pointers about how to implement them.

Most people assume that the best time to water is whenever you feel like it. This could be the case in cold or mild climates, but in arid and hot areas the particular time of day at which you water is very important. Sprinklers that water in the afternoons in a hot area during the summer loose most of their water to evaporation. This not only means that they are wasting water and money-it also means that your plants or lawn are not getting the water they need at the hottest time of the year.

A far better time to water is during the early morning, night, or late evening. During these times the air temperature drops, decreasing the total amount of evaporation. The result is that your plants get the water they need for the next day of intense heat.

Another good idea for hot climates is a drip irrigation system. This obviously won't work for a lawn, but it can work wonders when it comes to medium to large plants in a hot environment. Instead of sprinkling the plants, which obviously wastes tremendous amounts of money and water, drip systems gradually drip water into the very roots of the plant. This could save a great deal of water, as well as money for the person living in a desert climate.
There is such a thing as too much watering! In soils with poor drainage, such as clay filled soils, there is little chance for water to drain quickly. This means that your plants can literally drown or rot in pools of water. Be sure to test your soil before you decide on a watering schedule and observer your plant's health.

Finally, one last way to make the most of your watering is to plant the right types of plants in your garden. If you plant something that requires a great deal of water in a hot, dry environment you are going to waste lots of water trying to keep it alive. A big part of getting your water to go a long way is planting the right type of garden in the right type of soil. Gardners tend to waste water when they have the wrong type of garden.