Mulching.

[Stringfellow]

This is a great point and something I have noticed too. Lots of work initially to acquire and spread a generous mulch of compost/ manure, but once done saves much watering time aswell as continually building fertility. This makes sense, as spreading compost in winter when there is less of other gardening tasks to do, eases work at peak activity times during these summer months. Certainly frees up more time for me to hoe horsetail, that’s for sure!