Water is an essential part of plant maintenance. Plants need water to reach their full potential. Watering correctly is important to prevent diseases and make your plants happy and healthy. Once you get a little bit of experience, understanding when and how to water your plants will become second nature.
DO: Water plants in the morning
The most efficient time to water outdoor plants is before the heat of the day when the soil is cool and the water has the best chance for seeping down to the roots before evaporating. Watering early in the day will help provide sufficient stores of moisture in the soil to protect the plant in the heat.
DON’T: Water too frequently or too little
During hot weather, it is essential to start a watering routine that thoroughly saturates the soil and is done less frequently instead of shallow surface watering more often. Saturating the plants encourages the roots to reach deeply for residual moisture.
Watering plants can be tricky for both potted and in your garden, but the best way to tell if your plant even needs a drink is to look at the soil surrounding the plant. If the soil is light brown/tan while also being lose and dry, this is a good time to go ahead and water. Your goal is to water 3 to 4 inches deep around the base of your plant and to not flood the root system or planter. You can use your finger to check the soil for moisture.
If you see your soil is dark brown/black in color and is moist to the touch, you should let your plant dry out a bit more and come back later to water.
DO: Water plants at the soil level
Direct the stream of the hose or watering can at the base of the plants. This delivers the hydration to the roots where its needed most. This also prevents water damage on the petals and blooms of flowers.
DON’T: Use broadcast sprinklers on your plants
Soaking plants from a sprinkler can soak the plant leaves which increases the risk of a fungal disease. Broadcast sprinklers often do not give adequate moisture to the soil and roots of the plants.
DO: Water container garden plants at least once per day
The soil in flowerpots and containers dries out much quicker than soil in your garden. The smaller the container, the more frequently it needs to be watered. Soak the soil in the morning and if it is hot, give them another watering in the afternoon.
DON’T: Water plants with a jet-like spray nozzle
Pressurized or high-powered nozzles can damage tender foliage and blossoms. It also disturbs the soil around the roots. Consider investing in a watering wand that extends the reach of your arm allowing you to direct water at the soil level of overhead hanging pots and in short, ground level flowerpots. If you do not have a watering wand, simply remove the spray nozzle from your hose and water your plants slowly from the hose.
DO: Ensure your containers have drainage holes
Before you plant in your pots/containers, ensure there is at least one drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Proper drainage is essential for happy roots. Pots without proper drainage are very easy to over water and potentially cause disease.
DON’T: Forget to water your plants
Becoming a plant parent is a commitment to watering daily, or more, depending on the weather. Inadequate water can do irreplaceable damage to most plants. Check your containers and garden beds regularly. If you are planning on going on vacation, be sure to have a friend or neighbor stop by to water your plants.
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