How To Water Plants Properly?

Proper watering is one of the first skills any beginner gardener should learn. It is possible to overwater and underwater plants at home. That's why it's important to figure out how (and how often) to water - a deceptively simple task that, in reality, takes a lot of patience and experimentation.

Every plant is different, as well as their environment. The same plant will need more water if it is located in a sunny location than if it is in a more shady one; older and larger plants will be thirstier than smaller ones.

To reveal the secret to proper watering, we've broken down the rules experienced gardeners follow into seven easy-to-follow guidelines. Follow these rules for watering plants and pay attention to how each one reacts to make sure you find the right approach:

In mild weather (especially in the spring), you can plan to water potted plants once a week. Plants will need more water as temperatures rise in late spring and summer, as warmer weather causes moisture to evaporate before the plant has been able to absorb what it needs.

It is logical that the larger plants need more water, which means that the smaller plants will need less water. Also, large pots containing small plants can hold a lot of moisture, so adjust the amounts of water according to the specifics of the plants. Small pots or hanging plants may need watering twice a day, while large pots can be watered once.

If the plants need to be watered twice a day, try to do it in the morning and in the evening. For plants that need watering once a day, try watering either in the morning or in the evening. At the beginning and end of the day, plants can most fully absorb the water they take in. Also, during the summer months, watering in the middle of the day can cause the flowers to burn.

 

Pour water into the pots until it begins to flow out of the drainage holes in the bottom. This way, you will know that the soil and roots have access to moisture in the pot. Avoid over watering as too much can harm the plant.

Water should be poured on the soil, not the leaves and flowers of the plants. Pouring water on the plant itself can lead to fungal diseases and even burn spots on the leaves.

 

Some plants and flowers, especially outdoor potted plants, may appear wilted during the hottest hours of the day. Don't panic and don't water them. Plants wilt as a self-defense to protect their roots from losing too much moisture. Wait to see if the plants stand up again at the end of the day. If they don't, they may need a little more water or more frequent watering.

If the pots are allowed to soak in water (or if they are watered too often), they can develop root rot and/or die. If you use saucers under the pots to collect excess water and dirt, empty them after watering and after rain to keep the roots and soil moist, not soggy.