Ask a room of gardeners what kills the most plants and the answer is rarely drought — it is overwatering. Roots need air as much as they need moisture, and soggy soil suffocates them and invites root rot.
The goal is deep, infrequent watering. A light daily sprinkle encourages roots to stay near the surface, where they bake at the first hot spell. Instead, water slowly and thoroughly once or twice a week, pushing moisture six to eight inches down. Roots follow it, and deep-rooted plants sail through dry spells.
Timing and technique matter too. Water early in the morning so foliage dries quickly and less is lost to evaporation. Aim at the soil, not the leaves — wet foliage overnight is an open invitation to fungal disease. A simple soaker hose or drip line under mulch does this automatically.
How do you know when it is time? Ignore the calendar and trust the finger test: push a finger two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, water. If it is cool and damp, walk away. Your plants will be tougher for it.