In general, how much water a plant receives is a huge part of how healthy it grows to be.
The watering requirements for plants will vary depending on the type of plant, so it’s important to consider the unique requirements of the plant you are watering.
Many gardeners enjoy growing plants as a hobby and to benefit from the beauty at the plant. If you are growing your own plants, it’s important to keep in mind how to properly care for your plant.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at how often to water your plants. The answer will vary depending on a bunch of factors. We’ll analyze those factors and how they affect your plant’s watering needs.
How often to water plants
When it comes to how often to water plants, the answer depends on a variety of factors. For example, is the plant planted in a pot or in the ground? Is it in direct sunlight or does it only get a partial day of direct sunlight? What has the weather been like recently?
Generally speaking, the best way to determine how often to water your plant is to check the top 1-2 inches of soil for dampness. As a rule of thumb, if it’s dried out, give the plant some water. If it’s still damp or moist in the top 1-2 inches, then no need to water the plant.
Watering a plant’s seedlings
When it comes to how often to water a plant’s seedlings, you want to make sure you give your young plant the water it needs for its early growth.
Sometimes plant seedlings are grown in bunches. These may soak up moisture faster, so keep tabs on the dampness of the soil for these seedlings.
It’s best to water them lightly more frequently than watering them a lot less frequently. Seedlings are more susceptible to “drowning” when they are overwatered. Too much water at once can also cause the plant to uproot itself, as soil washes away easier when the plant doesn’t have a solid root structure in place.
Plan on watering your plant’s seedlings every few days, or even daily. Keep an eye on the surface level dryness of the soil, and give the seedlings a sprinkle if it doesn’t look moist.
Plant seedlings are faster to show it if they don’t have enough water, so if the plant is wilting and the soil is dry, not enough water is probably the problem.
Watering an established plant
Established plants should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. Below are specific growing scenarios and information on how often to water the plant for each.
When to water plants that are planted outside
Plants planted outside are often healthier, as there’s more chance of direct sunlight, and airflow generally helps to protect it against disease.
Plan on watering your established plant a few times a week when it’s planted outside. If you’re not sure whether it needs to be watered, you can check if the surface level soil is moist, or if the plant is wilting.
When to water plants that are planted inside
Plants that are planted inside may not need as much water, as direct sunlight is normally not available. Be extra careful that you aren’t overwatering the plant inside.
If the plant is wilting, that could be a sign that it is under or over-watered. Keep track of how moist the soil is to know the difference before watering the plant more.
When to water plants planted in the landscape
Plants that are planted in the landscape are able to pull up some moisture from the ground, so they won’t need to be watered as much as plants are grown in a container.
When to water plants planted in containers
As mentioned previously, plants that are planted in a container will need to be watered more frequently since they don’t have natural water in the ground as a source of hydration.
Things to consider
There are numerous factors to consider when determining how often to water your plant. Factors like weather, sunlight, the season of the year, and spacing all play a role.
Weather
Spring weather is generally rainier in some areas, so you may not need to water your plant as much. Be careful that you don’t overwater your plant in a season with a lot of rain.
Sunlight exposure
Most plant varieties grow great in full sunlight, but in the heat of the summer, you’ll need to keep these plants watered well.
Plants that are grown in full sun will dry out fast, especially if they are getting direct sunlight during the noon of the day.
Keeping the plant well watered in these seasons ensures that they’ll be able to produce healthy new shoots of fresh plants in the future.
Season
Depending on the season, you may not need to water your plant as much. In the fall, when the plant is more established and the cooler weather sets in, you may only need to water the plant once a week.
Spacing
Plants that are planted close together will compete for the same water, and as a result, you’ll need to water them more.
Tips for watering your plant
Here are some tips for watering your plants.
Your plant may wilt with too much water or too little
Keep in mind that a plant that is wilting does not necessarily always need water. Sometimes plants wilt when they have too much water.
Always check the soil dryness to determine if you should give the plant some water.
It may not be a watering problem, but a fertilizing problem
If the plant is wilting or looking yellow, it may not be your watering that is the problem. You may want to check the fertilizer level of the soil it’s planted in to see if that’s the problem.
Make sure your pot has adequate draining
If you are planting your plants in a pot, it’s very important that the pot has proper drainage. plants are susceptible to root rot if water does not drain through the soil, so well-drained soil is essential.
Repotting
If the plant needs watering frequently, you may want to re-pot the plant so that it has more soil to spread its roots in.
Watering your plant recap
In conclusion, there are many factors that will affect how often you’ll need to water your plant. The best and most simple thing to do is check the moisture level in the top 1-2 inches of soil to determine if it needs some water.