How to Water Your Lawn With a Watering Can (Without the Hassle)

Maybe you don’t have a sprinkler system yet. Maybe you love a quiet morning with your plants. Or maybe you're just keeping things simple and mindful. Whatever brings you to the garden, there’s something charmingly grounding about stepping outside, watering can in hand, and tending to your lawn one pour at a time. It might seem like an old-fashioned or even daunting task, especially if you're used to hoses or sprinklers, but learning how to water your lawn with a watering can is not only doable—it can be surprisingly effective when done correctly.

Here’s how to make the most of that humble can and ensure your lawn gets the care it needs, one thoughtful step at a time.

Step 1: Choose the Right Watering Can

Your watering can is about to become your lawn’s best friend. When it comes to choosing one, durability, capacity, and comfort matter. You’ll be making several round trips, so it helps to pick a can that holds a decent amount of water but isn’t too heavy to carry when full.

One of our trusty favorites for lawn watering is the Behrens 210 2-Gallon Steel Watering Can. It’s built from rust-resistant galvanized steel and has a classic design that’s as good-looking as it is functional. The two-gallon size strikes a nice balance—not too heavy to haul around, but big enough to keep trips back to the hose or faucet to a minimum.

• Look for a can with a rose (the perforated spout) for better water dispersion
• Choose metal for durability or plastic for lighter carrying weight
• Make sure the handle allows for two-handed pouring if needed

If your lawn is on the larger side, consider using multiple watering cans or setting up water collection stations (rain barrels can be handy!) to minimize the back-and-forth.

Step 2: Understand Your Lawn’s Water Needs

Not all lawns are created equal. Grass type, soil composition, climate, and sun exposure all affect how much water your lawn actually needs. In general, a healthy lawn needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.

But how do you know how thirsty your lawn really is? That’s where a tool like the Soil Moisture Meter by XLUX – No Batteries Required comes in handy. Just stick it in the soil and get a quick reading—no guesswork, no batteries.

• Insert the moisture meter at different spots to get an even assessment
• Pay attention to shady vs. sunny areas—sun-drenched patches tend to dry out faster
• Water deeply rather than frequently to encourage root growth

“After using a moisture meter, I found I was actually overwatering. Now my grass looks better and I’m not wasting water.” — Trisha, reader in Oregon

Guided by your meter, you can tailor your watering routine to what your lawn truly needs—no more and no less.

Step 3: Water at the Right Time

The timing of your watering makes a big difference—especially when you’re doing it manually. Early morning is best, ideally between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. This allows your lawn to absorb the moisture before it evaporates in the midday sun, while preventing the long damp periods that can invite disease.

• Morning watering reduces the risk of fungal infections
• Evening watering can be risky—damp leaves overnight can lead to mold and mildew
• Stick to a consistent schedule so your lawn "learns" when to expect water

If morning routines are tight, try watering small sections over multiple days to spread out the task—like watering one quadrant of the lawn each day.

Step 4: Use an Efficient Watering Technique

One of the perks of using a watering can is the control it gives you—but that control only matters if you’re using the right technique. Avoid dumping water in large splashes that can erode soil or miss root systems entirely. Instead, aim to mimic a gentle rainfall.

• Use a watering can with a fine rose for gentle, even coverage
• Pour slowly, keeping the can low to avoid compacting the soil
• Water in overlapping passes to avoid missing spots

For patchy or stressed areas of grass, you can give extra attention without overdoing it across the whole yard. With manual watering, every pour counts—so make each one intentional.

Step 5: Boost Results with Natural Lawn Nutrition

Manual watering is a great time to multitask. You can enhance your watering with lawn-safe nutrients that support healthy growth and color. One gentle but effective option is the Lawn Energizer Liquid Fertilizer & Micronutrient Booster (32 oz). It contains essential micronutrients to green up your lawn without harsh chemicals.

Try mixing your fertilizer according to the label right in your watering can and applying it during one of your scheduled sessions. Because you’re watering by hand, you can direct nutrients precisely where they’re needed—helping revive struggling patches without overwhelming areas that are already thriving.

“My backyard had faded to a dull yellow, but after two rounds of the Lawn Energizer mixed into my watering routine, it’s revived like spring hit again.” — James, reader in Georgia

• Only fertilize as directed—more is not always better
• Apply when the soil is moist to avoid stressing the grass
• Don’t mix fertilizer with every watering—stick to a weekly or biweekly schedule

This step adds a little science to your watering routine and accelerates the payoff—a richer, more vibrant lawn that really shows the care you’ve been putting in.

Helpful Tools from This Article

• Behrens 210 2-Gallon Steel Watering Can
• Soil Moisture Meter by XLUX – No Batteries Required
• Lawn Energizer Liquid Fertilizer & Micronutrient Booster (32 oz)

Whether you're nurturing a small patch of green or giving your whole lawn a little hand-powered TLC, watering with a can is a lovely ritual that reconnects you with the rhythm of your yard. It takes a bit more time, but for many, that’s the beauty of it. We’d love to see how your setup turns out—tag @PorchLightPicks and show us your lawn care wins!