Nearly all of the landscape plants available for use in the Sonoran Desert need regular irrigation to get them established and keep them healthy. This is due to high temperatures, low humidity, near year-round sunshine, very low rainfall (only seven to ten inches a year) and frequent windy conditions that speed water evaporation from the soil. Generally, new plants need to be watered more frequently than established plants. Those in sunny areas need more water than plants in shaded areas and plants that are exposed to the wind need more than those that are protected.

Although many plants need irrigation year-round, far less water is required during the cooler times of the year than during the summer months. Seasonal adjustment of irrigation schedules is one of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid wasting water. Irrigation schedules should be adjusted at least four times a year. Change the frequency of irrigations to accommodate differences in seasonal water requirements.

Two watering schedules are provided: one for new plants and another for established plants. Please note that these are general guidelines. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of overwatering or underwatering and adjust irrigation schedules to accommodate the conditions and plants in your yard.