Practical answer
Run the zone, wait a short time, then check soil depth near representative plants before extending or reducing the schedule.
What to check first
- Check soil moisture below the surface after watering, not just the top crust.
- Compare pots, trees, hedges, and lawn separately because they rarely need the same timing.
- Watch for runoff, dry pockets, blocked drippers, and small pots overheating on tiles.
- Test the schedule before leaving the property empty.
What not to assume
- Do not water by calendar alone during heatwaves or windy periods.
- Do not use tiny daily sips for trees that need deeper root-zone wetting.
- Do not rely on holiday watering devices without a live test first.
When this needs more than a quick check
Collect more detail or request help if:
- plants are dying while the system appears to run
- one zone has weak pressure or does not open
- water is leaking near walls, paving, or the pool area
- the system needs seasonal redesign rather than a quick timer change
Details to collect before requesting help
- photos of the controller, valves, pipes, drippers, and dry areas
- garden size, planting type, and whether there are pots, trees, hedges, or lawn
- current schedule if known
- city or village and how urgent the repair is