I lived in Spain (Catalunia) for 11 years and the local market gardeners always used this method on their fincas. They would put the hosepipe at the end of each row once a week and give it a thorough soaking. It was done for tomatoes, asparagus, peppers, aubergines, artichokes etc. Their yields were fantastic - I know as I was often a recipient of their generosity!
Tricia