Garden Watering
How often should I water new plants?
I like to water by hand directly after planting, and to make sure that things are watered in very well. On newly established plants, we need to come in almost every other day and check on the watering, because you've got to remember that we have a fairly small root system. Particularly, if we're doing a lot of herbaceous perennials. They haven't rooted out into the ground yet, so we need to keep them moist until they start to establish. Usually for the first couple of months, at least, we're checking every couple of days to every three days to make sure that the plant is establishing and not wilting.
How often should I water established plants?
When is the best time of day to water garden plants?
Usually first thing in the morning is the best to water garden plants so that the plants have time to dry off. Late evening waterings can often lead to disease and the spread of disease.
How do I know how much water my plants are getting?
I like for people to either set up little cans where they can measure the amount of water that's either coming from your irrigation system or that you may be watering by hand or that is happening naturally from rain. Or you can just use rain gauges. I will often set rain gauges out just to see how much water is being supplied to the plants.
What are clues my garden plants need more water?
You need to look at the plant, and it will tell you if it needs more water. If it's wilting, flagging, or if you are seeing a lot of yellowing leaves or scorching on leaves; that's usually a good indication.
What are clues my garden plants need less water?
We need to look at the plant. We need to be observant. Gardening and watering is something that you start to get a feel for the more you work with the plants. It can be something that can be acquired, if you will. It's not rocket science. However, it does take skill to see that the plant is being over watered, or if it is being under watered. Over watering will usually be indicated by yellowing leaves, browning on the tips of leaves, and those are sometimes indications that a plant is over watered.
How do seasonal changes affect plant watering?
