Checking the soil

The specific time guidelines are still just that - guidelines. You may need to water more often when it's very hot and dry, or taper off over the fall and winter when it's cooling down. Likewise, a plant in the sun may need more water than the same plant in a shady part of your yard. If you're unsure when to increase or decrease your watering, or when to start tapering back on an established plant, just pull back the mulch and soil so that you can feel an inch or two down. If it's dry, your plants probably need a drink!