Question: Is it better to water frequently and not to use as much at a watering, or less often and more heavily?

Answer: Definitely the latter. If you “sprinkle” the soil lightly, you’ll be encouraging shallow roots that will stay near the soil surface where the water is hitting. Water more deeply, then let the soil dry out somewhat before you water again. That will encourage your plants to develop much deeper roots, better able to withstand periods of drought.