Keep Your Plants Alive With Our Top 10 Watering Tips And Tricks
Knowing how much and how often to water will help you raise healthy and productive plants. Keeping your plants hydrated can feel like a balancing act, especially when the temperatures soar. Houseplants, container plants, gardens, and ornamentals have specific watering needs and in some cases, too much water can be just as damaging as not enough.
Welcome to Watering 101 so you can ensure your plants stay lush and vibrant through the Summer heat.
Watering 101: Tips & Tricks
1. Water At The Right Time:
Water your plants either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to reduce evaporation. When watering in the late afternoon make sure that the water is being absorbed into the soil to avoid rot and fungal growth. Avoid midday watering when the sun and heat are at their peak.
2. Check The Soil First:
When a plant looks wilted, water it right away but always check the soil first! Sometimes plants can look droopy because they've been overwatered. Check them by sticking your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry or only slightly damp, add some water! If it's moist then you can wait and even put the plant by a window to help evaporate the soil.
NOTE: Some plants, like succulents, like the soil to dry out in between watering.
3. Veggies Need MORE:
Especially in the summer, when you have days/weeks without sufficient rain, you need to water your vegetable gardens frequently. Each week your gardens or raised beds need at least one inch of water, maybe more during hotter weeks. But remember Tip 2, always check the soil first by sticking your finger one inch deep. If it's moist, there's no need to water.
4. Water The Base:
Quit wasting water! Overhead watering with a hose is not only a waste of water, but wet leaves can help the spread of fungal diseases. Put the hose or watering can right at the base of the plant so that the water soaks the soil and reaches the root system.
NOTE: Planting new trees? Since trees are much bigger and have extensive root systems, they to be watered in a wider area. Water the entire area beneath the entire canopy, starting at the base/center and then extending a couple of feet out so that the roots seek out the damp soil.
5. Water Deeply and Less Frequently:
Instead of shallow, daily watering, opt for a deep soak that reaches the roots. This encourages plants to develop deeper root systems, making them more resilient to drought.
6. Slowly Soak Dry Soil
Have you noticed that after a week of excessive heat, when it finally rains the water runs right over the soil and doesn't soak into the ground? Dry soil can't absorb the water fast enough which is why it's important to slowly soak the first layer. Once the water begins to absorb into the soil you can increase the volume.
7. Water New Plants Frequently
During the first year, all newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials need more frequent, regular watering than established plants and need to be watered more in the absence of rain. Vegetables, flowers, and grass seeds, as well as young seedlings also need watering at regular intervals. Water daily, as often as twice a day in the absence of rain, and even more in hot, dry weather.
NOTE: Seeds easily dry out during germination and young seedlings are much less resistant to heat than established plants.
8. How To Water Houseplants
Root rot is the enemy of all houseplants. Make sure that you don't overwater your houseplants and empty water trays frequently to avoid having them sitting in water.
If the soil is dry, the water should ideally be at room temperature. It might be hot outside, but your plants don't want ice-cold water because it can damage their roots.
9. Mulch Is Your Best Friend
Applying a generous layer of mulch around your plants provides a plethora of benefits. It helps conserve moisture by reducing evaporation, allowing you to water less frequently. It helps regulate soil temperature, keeping the soil cool during hot days and providing insulation during colder periods. It also serves as a natural barrier so those pesky weeds don't suck up all the soil nutrients.
NOTE: Apply a 2 to 4-inch layer of mulch around your plants, but be cautious not to pile it up against the stems or trunks of plants to prevent rot. The mulch will break down over time, adding organic matter and improving soil structure, which in turn enhances root health and nutrient uptake.
10. Signs You're Overwatering
While all plants need water, and some love it more than others, too much of a good thing can be bad. Take precautions so that you don't overwater your plants, especially those that have low water needs. Overwatering can lead to diseases such as root rot, which could kill your plant. Signs of overwatering include leaves that are brown, yellow, or falling off. If you notice changes to the leaves, check the roots. Roots that are slimy, grey in color, or appear to be rotting are probably experiencing root rot. If you think you've overwatered your plant, let the plant dry out completely before starting over with the above tips and techniques.
By incorporating these practical Watering 101: Tips & Tricks into your routine, you're on your way to cultivating a more robust and healthy garden. Remember, watering is not just about quantity—it's about strategy and understanding the unique needs of your plants.
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