Watering before rain

When watering before rain makes sense

If the forecast shows a small amount of rain, or rain that may miss your area, a little watering helps a new plant or a pot survive. Water before rain also softens dry ground so the rain soaks in instead of running off.

For an established garden, waiting for the rain is the better default. Rain that follows watering simply runs through soil that is already wet.

• watering helps when the forecast is uncertain or small
• newly planted shrubs and trees benefit from help before rain
• dry, hard soil absorbs rain better after a light pre-watering