One of the simplest ways to determine if your garden is being watered correctly is to examine the soil yourself using the "appearance and feel" method. It may seem unsophisticated, but horticulturalists and farmers alike have developed this time-tested method which rates the degree of soil moisture by a series of soil "look and feel" measurements.

First, take a soil sample, using a trowel or a soil augur, and remove a handful sized scoop of soil to a depth of 6 - 8". You should repeat this soil test in various locations in your garden - so keep each sample separate and note the results as you go. For trees, take several samples from the drip-line area and beyond.

To measure the moisture content, take the soil sample and squeeze a small handful firmly. For most light sandy or sandy loam soils, it is well watered if it is feels moist and forms a weak ball shape in your hand along with leaving soil particles on your fingers and the ball should still break up fairly easily. It's even better if it makes a ball shape and a wet outline is left on your hand. If you cannot make a ball out of the soil because it falls apart - you need to water. If water is freely released when squeezing - it's too wet.

For medium draining clay soils, a well watered soil should be very pliable and easily form into a ball. When the clay is squeezed, no water should be seen on the soil or dripping out - that indicates over watering.

Ideal heavy clays soils should make a ball easily and also stretch out (ribbon) easily between your fingers (thumb and forefinger) without falling apart. When heavy clay soil is squeezed, water should not be on the soil or dripping - that is too wet.