"Natty_Dread" writes in article dated Thu, 15 Apr 2004 18:35:44 GMT:
I know this is a stupid question, but I'm a fairly new gardener who is still
learning so bear with me. What's the most effective way to use a soaker
hose? I've been told to bury the hose under the mulch and let it run, but I
don't know how to tell how much water my plants are getting that way. How
long should the hose be left running? Is there any benefit to a soaker hose
over a hose with holes in it that sprays up? If the mulch gets soaked, will
any of that water leach into the ground and water the plants below ground
level? Any assistance is appreciated. Thanks!

The only advantage to pointing the holes upwards is that you cover a larger
area. Of course you then have to let it run for longer. There is no
botanical advantage to getting the leaves wet. In fact, it may even slow
down your plants' metabolism on a sunny day.

After the mulch is saturated, water will drip through to the soil. You
should let it run until the soil is good and wet. Knowing how long that
takes is part of knowing your garden, you can test it by sticking your
finger in the dirt until you have a feel for it.

-- spud_demon -at- thundermaker.net
The above may not (yet) represent the opinions of my employer.