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Unlock the Secrets of Proper Watering:
Tips for a Thriving Garden
Anyone can pour water on a plant. But it takes time and experience to understand how plants use water and the many variables that come into play. These include the type of plant, its size, the soil texture, recent weather 🌧️, sun exposure 🌞, time of day and time of year. In short, watering schedules for your garden shouldn't be a set in stone 🪨 they should adapt with the weather. The amount of water a plant requires is constantly changing, so you need to be paying attention.
As a nurseryman I'm constantly asked how to water everyone is in search of a magical secret schedule. However the truth of the matter is there is not a secret formula for every planting and location is different. Even if you look at your own yard they're hotter and cooler pockets areas that are more windy it is full of microclimates. The real secret is to feel the soil and watch your plants and they will tell you when the water. 👀
Watering your garden may seem like a simple task, but it’s actually a science and an art. Too much or too little water can harm your plants, and the optimal amount varies depending on many factors. In this article, we’ll show you how to master the secrets of proper watering and keep your plants healthy and happy. 😊
While it takes in-the-garden experience to become a watering pro. You can get a jump start by following these 7 best practices:
1. Water Where the Roots Are 🌳
The goal is not to water the stem or over leaves, but rather soak underneath without splashing water back up. The root ball is as wide as the plant and a foot or too deep on average.
2. Check the Soil Before Watering ☝️
The best moisture meter is always at your fingertips. When the soil surface appears dry, stick your finger down a few inches and see if it is still moist or if it's dry and ready for water.
3. Time to Water ⏰
The best time to water is in the morning.
This allows the plant all day to dry so it doesn't remain wet and encourage potential fungal issues. It also doesn't waste water to evaporation In the heat of the day
4. Water Slowly 🦥
Sometimes when the soil dries it becomes hydrophobic not wanting to soak up the water. Instead it pools or runs off rather than be absorbed. That's why it's better to water slowly so the water has a longer chance to penetrate the surface and be absorbed.
5. Make Every Drop Count 💧
No matter what tool you choose to use a watering can, hose or even drip irrigation the key is to water properly when the plants need it. Water deeply and not In the heat of the day so you don't lose as much to evaporation. Also maintain a berm around the plant to keep water where it's needed rather than running off.
6. Don't Overwater 🚿
Plants need oxygen as much as they need water so don't drown them. Allow the top few inches to dry out between waterings and let your soil breathe between soakings.
7. Don’t Let Them Go Dry 🏜️
In extreme heat sometimes plants can't keep up with the water demands and may wilt. In the evening they should be able to catch up and soak water back up from the soil, as long as you have provided it. If you allow the soil to go too dry, the fine root tips that are responsible for the absorption of water and nutrients to support the plant may get damaged.
8. Use Mulch to Conserve Moisture 🍂
Covering the soil with a layer of mulch will regulate soil temperature, hold moisture, help reduce evaporation and minimize runoff. It's important to remember mulch acts as a sponge soaking up and holding water so you must water longer because the mulch will soak up the water before it could even get to the soil below.
How to Water Plants in the Ground 🏡
They have different water needs than indoor or container plants, as they have more access to the natural water sources, such as rain, groundwater, and dew. Planting in the ground is more resilient to weather extremes and since it does not dry out as easily as containers it is often easier for new gardeners. 🌳
One important note is to always use in-ground amendments rather than potting soil when planting in ground as potting soil is designed to retain too much moisture.
It's important to know your soil as sandy soil drains quickly and needs more frequent watering, while clay soil retains water and needs less frequent watering.
You should water your plants until the soil is moist to a depth of one foot. You can use a trowel, a shovel, or a soil probe to check the depth of the water in the soil. You should water your plants once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the season, rather than every day or every other day.
Deep watering will encourage the roots to grow deeper and stronger, and make the plants more resilient and drought-tolerant, rather than shallowly and frequently.
The use of mulch and organic matter can help you conserve water and improve the soil quality in your garden. Mulch can help reduce evaporation, moderate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and prevent erosion. Organic matter can help improve water retention, drainage, aeration, and nutrient availability in the soil. You should apply mulch and organic matter at least once a year, preferably in the spring or fall. 🍂
How to Water Container Plants 🪴
Choose the right container size and material. The size of the container should match the size of the plant, as too small or too large pots can affect the water retention and drainage of the soil.
The material of the container can also influence how fast the soil dries out. For example, clay pots are porous and allow more air circulation, which can help prevent overwatering, but they also lose water faster than plastic which can trap heat and moisture. You should also make sure that the container has drainage holes at the bottom as it is important to allow excess water to drain out.
Water when the top few inches of soil dry. You can use your finger, a wooden stick, insert halfway down the pot and remove if you see soil sticking to the stick or feel it on your fingertip ☝️ it is still moist and does not need water.
Wind or high temperatures can cause more water demand ideally if you could water the day prior to these weather extremes
Water deeply and evenly. The best way to water container plants is to water them slowly until the water runs out of the drainage holes. You should also water evenly around the entire plant, not just in one spot, to avoid creating dry or wet patches in the soil. You can use a watering can, a hose, or a drip irrigation system to water your container plants.
Use good-quality potting mix and fertilizer. You should use a potting mix that is specially formulated for container plants, as it will have the right balance of water retention and drainage, as well as nutrients and organic matter. You should also fertilize your container plants regularly, as frequent watering can wash away some of the nutrients in the soil. You can use a liquid or granular fertilizer, following the instructions on the label, or use organic amendments, such as compost or worm castings 🪱, to enrich the soil.
Note: When watering container plants, the goal is to do 10% more than the volume of the pot in order to leach out any excess salts or minerals that may have accumulated in the soil. For example, if you have a 10-gallon pot, you should water it with 11 gallons of water. This will help prevent salt buildup, which can harm your plants.
How to Water House Plants 🏘️
Indoor plants have different water needs than outdoor plants, because they are usually in pots with limited soil and drainage. Here are some general guidelines on how to water indoor plants:
Check the soil moisture before watering. You can do this by sticking your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, wait until it dries out a bit more. Some plants, like succulents and cacti, prefer to have the soil completely dry between waterings 🌵, while others, like ferns, need consistently moist soil. 🌿
Water deeply and thoroughly. The best way to water indoor plants is to soak them completely until the water drains out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the roots get enough water and that the soil is evenly moist. Avoid watering from the top, as this can cause fungal diseases and rotting. You can either place the pot in a sink or a tray and water from the bottom.
Use room-temperature water.🌡️Cold or hot water can shock the roots and cause damage. Ideally, you should use rain water. If you have to use tap water, let it sit for at least 24 hours before using it to allow some of the chlorine and chloramines to evaporate out, or better yet get a hose and filter designed to remove them.
Adjust the watering frequency according to the season and the plant’s growth. Indoor plants tend to grow more in the spring and summer, and less in the fall and winter 📆. This means that they will need more water during the warmer months, and less water during the colder months. You can also observe your plant’s signs of thirst, such as wilting, drooping, or curling leaves, and water accordingly. However, don’t wait until your plant is severely stressed, as this can weaken its immune system and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Note: Indoor plants typically need to be watered every 7 to 14 days, depending on the type of plant, the size of the pot, and the environmental conditions. However, this is just a general rule, and you should always check the soil moisture before watering. 🗓️
Conclusion
Watering your plants is not a one-size-fits-all task, but rather a skill that requires observation, experimentation, and adaptation. By following the tips and best practices in this article, you can learn how to water your plants properly, whether they are indoor plants, container plants, or plants in the ground. Watering your plants properly is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of gardening. By following these tips, you can ensure that your plants get the right amount of water at the right time, and avoid common problems such as overwatering, underwatering, salt buildup, and root rot. Remember, the goal is to provide your plants with the right amount of water at the right time, to help them grow and thrive. Happy watering! 😊
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Watering: When is Rain Enough? 🌧️
