As fall arrives in Lafayette, Louisiana, temperatures begin to cool down, and we see a shift in rainfall patterns. While the fall season may bring some relief from the intense summer heat, your lawn and garden still need consistent care to thrive throughout autumn and prepare for the winter months.
Watering in Lafayette’s fall weather can be tricky, as we balance periods of dry weather with the occasional rainfall. Here’s a guide to help you adjust your watering routine this season.
1. Understand Lafayette's Fall Climate
In Lafayette, fall typically brings milder temperatures, with highs in the mid-70s to 80s, which can feel refreshing after a hot summer. Rainfall may decrease slightly, but we still experience occasional showers. Humidity levels also drop, reducing the risk of evaporation but creating a unique challenge for soil moisture retention. Adjusting your watering practices now will encourage stronger roots and healthier plants that can withstand winter conditions.
2. Watering Frequency: Less Often, but Deeply
As temperatures cool down, your lawn and garden need less frequent watering. Most lawns can be watered once a week in fall, though established plants and shrubs may require only every 10-14 days. A general rule of thumb is to aim for about 1 inch of water per week. Deep watering is essential in the fall to promote root growth and prepare plants for the colder months. Watering deeply (approximately 6-8 inches into the soil) encourages roots to grow deeper, making your plants more resilient to temperature changes and dry spells.
3. Adjust Watering Schedule Based on Rainfall
Fall weather in Lafayette can be unpredictable, with dry spells and occasional heavy rains. Monitor the rainfall in your area and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If it rains 1 inch or more in a week, you can skip watering entirely. Using a rain gauge is an easy way to track rainfall and avoid overwatering. During dry weeks, ensure your lawn and garden get the moisture they need by
maintaining your weekly watering routine.
4. The Best Time to Water in Fall
The best time to water in the fall is early in the morning, ideally between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Morning watering allows moisture to reach the roots before the midday sun causes evaporation. In cooler fall weather, this also helps avoid excess moisture on leaves overnight, which can lead to mold and mildew.
5. Check Soil Moisture Regularly
Because fall weather can vary, regularly checking your soil moisture is a good way to determine
whether your garden and lawn need water. You can do this with a soil moisture meter or by simply