My-Garden-World Blog

Best Practices for Watering

The number one rule for watering plants is to pay attention to them! They will happily keep you informed. How?

Plants in bad need of water will wilt. If not watered soon, they may not be able to recover and die. Plants that wilt easily need extra attention. Watch them closely and you will be able to determine a routine of watering to prevent repetitive wilting which will stunt the plant’s growth or die.

“Different strokes for different plants.”  Some plants like what I call “wet feet”. These are the ones that like for the soil to be constantly wet (African Violets for example). Others will range from almost dry to just moist. Once again, pay attention to the individual plant’s needs. Usually a plant purchased from the garden center will have watering instructions on the label.

There are different ways of determining the “wetness” of the soil. My favorite is by sticking my finger well into the soil and pinching some of the soil between my fingers. This way I can tell if it is soggy, just damp, or dry.

In some cases, depending upon the type of soil in the pot, the top of the soil will change color as it dries out. Lets say a dark brown to a light brown. This can be misleading however. The soil may be dry on the top but moist further down. What is important is the amount of moisture in the root area of the plant. In these cases, extract some of the soil around the roots to determine if it needs more or less watering.

Type of Water

The type of water can make a difference. In most cases, tepid water does just fine. Rain water is the best! Using rain water exclusively is great, but requires a little more effort. I will collect rain water from  roof run off and water the plants occasionally rather than at every watering. It is almost like giving your pet a treat. They love it!

If you live in an area where the water is considered hard or loaded with chemicals, rain water may be your best bet. Treated water from public water systems can build up salts and acids in the soil doing major damage. These salts can collect on the container surface. It is a good practice to wash the container with a weak solution of bleach and water before re-potting.

Water Reservoirs

A water reservoir can be anything from a water bottle stuck in the soil, upside down, that releases water into the soil as it dries to standing water in the container’s saucer.

There are many different types of watering devices on the market- wicks, water mats, slow release water bottles, etc. These do help if you are not going to be able to attend your plants for a period of time.

The key to using water reservoirs is to take note of which type works best for each individual plant. Reservoirs can overwater or underwater depending on the plant’s needs.

Water from the Top or Bottom?

Both. Water from the top until water begins to drain from the bottom of the container. Then allow the overflow to collect in the saucier. The additional water in the saucier will supply water to the plant for some additional time between waterings.

A good soaking works well for plants that seem to be always in need of more water. Place the plant in a tub of water. Leave it in the water until the bubbles stop forming (air escaping from the soil). This technique will help extend the period of time between waterings.

Another little trick that I use. Ad liquid fertilizer (amount according to manufacturer’s recommendations) to the tube of water prior to soaking. This method ensures that both water and food gets to all of the roots. I have gotten great results from this technique.

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Stayed tuned. My next post will address humidity and air circulation. Please leave a comment or two. Any suggestions?

‘Til next time,

Poppy

www.my-garden-world.com

marvin@my-garden-world.com

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