Watering and hoses
How long to run a soaker hose
Soaker hoses ooze water slowly along their length, right at the roots. Because every hose, water pressure and soil is different, the right run time is something you measure once in your own garden, then repeat.
Updated 26 Oct 2026 · Facts checked against the sources at the end.
The goal
Most vegetable gardens need about 1 inch of water a week, from rain plus watering. University of Illinois Extension suggests more, up to about 2 inches a week, when daytime temperatures reach the 90s. The aim of each watering is to moisten the root zone, about 6 inches deep for most vegetables, and then let the surface dry a little before the next watering.
Find your run time in one afternoon
- Water when the soil is fairly dry.
- Run the soaker hose for 30 minutes.
- Turn it off and wait an hour for the water to spread.
- Dig a small hole with a trowel a few inches from the hose and check how deep the soil is moist.
- If moisture reaches about 6 inches, 30 minutes is your time. If it only reaches 3 inches, try about twice as long next time.
- Write down the time. Repeat the check a couple of times during the season.
A rain gauge or tuna can does not work well with soaker hoses, because the water goes into the soil rather than falling from above.
Tips for even watering
- Soaker hoses work best at low pressure. Open the faucet only partly, or use the flow-restrictor or pressure regulator the maker recommends.
- Keep runs to the length the maker suggests; very long runs water unevenly.
- Lay hoses on flat ground close to the plants, and cover them with mulch to slow evaporation.
- Water in the morning.
- A battery hose timer makes the routine automatic.
Signs you are over or under watering
- Too little: plants wilt in the afternoon and do not recover by evening; soil is dry an inch or two down.
- Too much: soil stays soggy, lower leaves yellow, or water pools on the surface.
For hose-and-sprinkler watering, see how long to water a garden with a hose.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I leave a soaker hose on?
It depends on your hose, water pressure and soil. Run it for 30 minutes, wait an hour and check how deep the soil is moist. Adjust until water reaches about 6 inches deep.
How often should I run a soaker hose?
Usually once or twice a week, enough to supply about 1 inch of water a week including rain, and more in very hot weather.
Can you leave a soaker hose on overnight?
It is not a good idea. It can overwater and waste water. Use a measured run time and a timer.
Related
Sources
- University of Illinois Extension: Irrigate gardens to beat summer heat
- University of Illinois Extension: Watering all season long
- Penn State Extension: Determining How Long to Run Drip Irrigation Systems for Vegetables
- University of Wisconsin Extension: Dealing with dry soils and drought
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.