Hi Pat,

Thank you for using Ask Extension. Your practices of using soaker hoses and watering in the morning when possible are ideal.  A critical element of proper irrigation during this hot stretch is timing. It is important to apply the water to the soil before the heat of the day when rapidly warming soil surfaces can begin to dry and wick moisture out of the root zone. Watering early ensures that the water moves deeper into the root zone, where it can be retained and is accessible by plant roots for longer.

You can check the soil moisture of your perennials by hand regularly by pushing your finger into the soil at the root zone and water when it feels dry to the touch.  If the weather remains as dry/hot as it has been lately, check the soil moisture every two or three days. A basic rule of thumb is to provide perennials one inch of water each week. Less frequent but deep watering encourages perennials to grow their roots down more deeply into the soil rather than near the surface, and then they become better able to handle drought conditions in the future. Some plants like drier or wetter conditions once they are established. It is a good idea to research the soil moisture preferences of the individual plant species you chose so that you can provide the optimal location and care for them.

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/care-annuals-and-perennials

Good luck,