IMPROPER WATERING IS MANY TIMES THE CAUSE of numerous diseases in peoples' lawns. However, it's easy to make sure you don't fall into that trap. Just follow these simple rules.

Whenever possible water in the morning as opposed to watering at night. Watering at night can create a perfect breeding ground for disease and fungus by way of standing water.

Watering in the middle of the day (especially on hot, sunny days) will do little good because the water begins to burn off before it really gets a chance to soak in. Also, for broadleaf plants in a garden or flowerbed, watering under excessive sunshine can cause the leaves to "burn" as result of sunlight being intensified by water drops.

By watering in the early morning, the water has plenty of time to soak into the soil before burning off. Then, standing water and the water droplets on the actual grass blades will evaporate as temperatures begin to rise.

Water deeply! This is probably one of the most important tips in regard to watering. It doesn't matter whether you are watering your lawn, your vegetable garden or your landscaping. Always water deeply.

By watering for as long as possible at each watering and then extending the periods between waterings, you are allowing the water to soak more deeply into the soil which encourages deep root growth. This, in turn, helps the plant sustain itself through times of drought and gives it a better chance to absorb more of the nutrients that it needs for survival.

I would suggest watering for as long as you can without causing standing water or erosion of any soil. If this is only 1/2 hour, then water once per day or every other day. If you can water safely for an hour and the ground will soak it up, then water every 4 or 5 days.

Extend the periods between waterings for as long as you can without harming the plant. The more the plants have to work, the better off they will be in the long run (as long as their work provides a payoff).

If you have just planted new seed and there is much bare soil, water less deeply and much more often (especially if you planted in the heat of summer--which I don't recommend). You might wish to water for only 10 minutes each time, but 3 to 6 times per day. You must keep the soil and the seeds moist without causing run-off or standing water. Use your own judgement.