Water. Cool morning hours are best for watering, because evaporation rates are low and foliage dries quickly, reducing the likelihood of fungal problems such as black spot, rust and powdery mildew. Water deeply, thoroughly and infrequently to encourage deeply rooted plants, which are better able to withstand drought. ("Infrequently" means allow the top few inches of soil around established plants to dry between waterings.) Most lawns and veggies need a total of about 1 inch of water per week. Tip: Don’t waste water with light, shallow watering. The water evaporates from the soil before it can actually reach the root zone.