Sprinkler Schedule Builder by Zone and Grass Type
Quick Answer
Build a sprinkler schedule around 2-3 deep waterings per week that together deliver about 1-1.5 inches, confirmed with a simple catch-cup test rather than guessing at run times.
Start With a Catch-Cup Test
Before setting run times, confirm how much water your system actually delivers. Place several shallow, straight-sided containers (tuna cans work well) around each zone, run the sprinklers for 15 minutes, then measure the depth collected. That gives you a real inches-per-minute rate to build a schedule around, instead of guessing.
Building the Schedule
- Target roughly 1-1.5 inches of total water per week, split across 2-3 sessions
- Use your catch-cup results to calculate run time per zone for that target
- Schedule for early morning (6-10am) — see our best time to water guide
- Group zones with similar sun exposure and soil type together where your system allows
Sloped or clay soil?
Adjusting the Schedule by Season
Reduce frequency in spring and fall as rainfall and cooler temperatures reduce demand, and pause or minimize watering in winter for most grass types during dormancy. See our watering frequency guide for the seasonal breakdown.