What’s ½” of irrigation?

January 5, 2021 | Expert answer by: Jerry Somalski

Q. The lawn fertilizer I just bought says to water it in well with ½” of irrigation. What does that mean? How do I know when I’ve hit ½”?

A. A ½” of irrigation is when lawn sprinklers are run until a coffee mug (or several mugs) fills to a level ½” up from the bottom of the cup. If you don’t want to use a coffee mug, an empty tin of tuna, pet food, or other short can works well too.

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Answer Provided By ...

Jerry Somalski

Jerry Somalski

Jerry is a Landscape Designer, Project Manager, and the President of Bay Landscaping. He began learning about plants and landscape design as a young boy, hoeing in the family nursery and tagging along with the landscape crews who taught him the tools and methods of the trade. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Central Michigan University, he returned to the family business. Jerry has an enthusiastic yet practical approach to landscape design, focused on choosing the right plants (ones that thrive in the mid-Michigan climate) for the right place to create sustainable and spectacular landscapes. He loves to share what he knows with gardeners throughout Michigan! Learn more about Jerry >>