How long should I set my sprinkler timer for in Houston, TX? 15min each zone every other day?

Question

How long should I set my sprinkler timer for in Houston, TX? 15min each zone every other day?

Answer 1

It all depends on how much it has rained lately, the temperature, humidity, etc.

I know you want to water long enough for the root area of the grass to get wet (1 inch deep?) otherwise you will get more weeds growing.

There is a web site for Oklahoma to help figure all this out. Perhaps one exists for Texas?? I linked the first thing from Texas that might help.

Answer 2

You are trying to mimick mother nature, and you should water your grass to equal about 1" per week.

15-30 mins would be fine every 2-3 days. Just insure you are getting enough water in each zone to throughly soak the soil, with out running off.

I live outside of houston, and try to water only once a week (St. Augustine). I do a deep cycle water (Low flow at 30 min). If you water too often, the roots will grow to close to the surface.

Answer 3

It's impossible to tell you how to irrigate without knowing your soil and sprinkler system.  Shoot for 1/2 inch with each irrigation.  How many irrigations per week depends entirely on the soil, your seasonal weather and the grass type.  

To get 1/2 inch, set shallow straight sided cans out in the sprnkler's field and water 10-15 minutes.  Also watch that the ground doesn't become so saturated the water runs off into the street or onto the sidewalk.  I realize hills and slopes are rare down there, but still watch.  

After your watering time, turn off the system and measure the water in the can or cans.  It might be easier to pour all into one can, measure and divide by number of cans.  If you get between 1/3 and 1/2 inch, then that's your watering time.  Adjust up or down as necessary.  

You'll have to determine how often per week by watching the lawn and ajusting.  It will change from month to month, so setting in the spring and letting it go is very water wasteful.