Sprinklers have the disadvantage of wasting water by watering paths and other bare spots in the garden. If using oscillating sprinklers, elevate them above the tallest plants so the water streams are not blocked. To make sure all of your plants are watered, place sprinklers so their patterns overlap. Runoff indicates you need to water at a slower rate. Consider your soil, your plants, and recent weather when determining how much and how often to water your garden.
Sandy soil holds much less water than clay soils.
Larger plants consume more water than seedlings. Hot, windy weather dries out the soil. Instead of developing a watering schedule based on calculations and charts, monitor your garden to determine your watering needs throughout the growing season. Developing plants need to be watered deeply, but less often, to encourage deep root growth. Water to a depth of at least 6 inches and then let the surface inch or two completely dry out before watering again.