If there is no outdoor spigot near the garden, the expense of having one installed may be greater than the benefits gained, except in very drought-prone areas or in the case of a gardener who is fully dependent on the season's produce. Where rainfall is adequate except for a few periods in the summer, it is wise to keep watering equipment simple. In areas where there are extended periods of hot weather without precipitation, the local water supply is likely to be short. Since overhead sprinklers waste water, a drip irrigation system may be in order. Drip irrigation puts water right at the roots and doesn't wet plant leaves, helping to control some diseases.
Timers are available that allow automatic watering with drip irrigation systems.
Several types of drip or trickle equipment are available. The soaker hose is probably the easiest to use as no installation is required. It is a fibrous hose that allows water to slowly seep out all along its length. It is simply laid at the base of the plants and moved around the garden. There are also complete kits containing attachments and PVC hose with holes to allow gradual water release.