Since it pretty much feels like spring here in the LA area

I headed over to the local nursery. It looked like spring

there, too. There was a great selection of plants that

we just don't see in the summer, because it is too hot.

I planted a cottage-type garden with dianthus, stock,

daisies, linaria, armeria, delphinium, larkspur, candytuft,

ranunculus, foxglove, lamb's ears, and all sorts of

goodies.

So now my question is: How often should I be watering?

There's been no rain for a month and it's in the high 70s

and even low 80s. While this weather lasts (and the plants

are not yet established) how often should I have the

sprinklers running? Right now I am watering for 10 minutes

every other day. My soil is sandy loam. Nothing looks

droopy, but the soil is always rather gray/dry in

appearance (as opposed to rich brown). Yes, I did compost

and mulch with bark.

I'm curious how often others water their annuals in similar

weather. Should I be watering every day for a shorter

period? Will I encourage disease by watering for too long

or too frequently? I usually grow perennials and it's much

easier to care for those, because they get established and

even when they are thirsty they don't die so quickly like

annuals do. With annuals (in the past) it sometimes seems

like if I miss a day (and it's unusually hot, like 100

degrees in the summer) I come home to find wilted plants.

On the other hand, watering every day encourages flimsy

roots and rots plants out.

Any advice (from someone in my zone or not) is appreciated.

I have a timer so I can set the days/times to whatever I

wish them to be. Thanks!