Proper watering is essential for healthy plants and gardens. There are three key rules to follow when watering plants: water deeply, water infrequently, and water in the morning. Following these simple guidelines will help ensure plants get the water they need without overwatering or causing damage.
Water Deeply
The first rule of watering is to water deeply. This means you need to water long enough for moisture to penetrate down into the root zone. For most plants, you’ll need to water until the soil is wet at least 6-8 inches deep. This encourages roots to grow downward searching for water, resulting in a deeper, stronger root system. Watering just the surface of the soil leads to shallow rooting, making plants more prone to drought stress.
To check if you’re watering deeply enough, use a trowel to dig down into the soil after watering to see how far down you’re getting moisture. Adjust your watering time as needed to reach at least 6 inches depth.
Deep watering is especially important for new transplants and seedlings. These young plants have small, shallow root systems so they need frequent deep watering to establish. Mature, established plants typically only need deep watering once or twice a week depending on climate, soil type and plant needs.
Water Infrequently
The second key rule is to water infrequently or sparingly. This gives plant roots a chance to access water held in the soil before more is added. Roots need both water and air to thrive. If soil is kept constantly wet, root suffocation can occur leading to root rot and lack of oxygen. Allowing the top few inches of soil to partially dry out between waterings gives plant roots a healthy balance of moisture and air.
How often to water depends on many factors like temperature, humidity, soil type, sun exposure and the needs of the specific plant variety. But a general rule of thumb is to wait until the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry before watering again. Use your finger to test moisture levels. New transplants may need watering every few days while established plants may only need water weekly or less.
Infrequent deep watering forces roots to expand deeper into the soil. Frequent shallow waterings will lead to shallow root systems and stressed, unhealthy plants.
Water in the Morning
The ideal time to water plants is in the early morning hours. Watering first thing in the morning allows plant foliage and roots ample time to dry during the daytime and prevents issues with mold and fungus growth. It also reduces water loss from evaporation during the heat of the day.
Watering mid-day or evening is not recommended. Wet foliage at night can lead to disease problems from lack of airflow. Watering in the heat of late afternoon and evening may also cause thermal shock to plant tissues.
Morning is the best time to meet plant water needs. Water early, so moisture has time to soak into the root zone before hot sun causes excessive evaporation. The exceptions would be succulents and cacti that need less frequent watering. These drought-tolerant plants prefer a good soak in the evening to reduce daytime moisture loss.
Other Watering Tips
Here are some additional tips for smart watering practices:
- Water at the base of plants, avoiding wetting foliage which can lead to disease issues.
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for most efficient deep watering.
- Group plants with similar water needs together for ease of watering.
- Add mulch around plants to conserve moisture and reduce water needs.
- Collect rainwater to supplement irrigation and conserve resources.
- Check and adjust sprinkler coverage for any missed dry spots.
- Consider using smart irrigation controllers to tailor watering schedules.
- Improve sandy soils with compost to increase moisture retention.
- Reduce watering frequency and amounts for any wilting or yellowing plants showing signs of overwatering.
Consider Climate and Seasons
Your local climate and current weather conditions factor into proper watering as well. Hot, dry and windy periods will increase plant water requirements. Cool, humid and rainy stretches may require less frequent irrigation. Adjust your watering schedule according to the season and recent weather patterns.
New plantings and seedlings need more frequent watering to establish roots. Mature, established plants are better able to handle short periods of drought. But extreme heat waves, prolonged dry spells or windy conditions may necessitate extra watering even for established plants. Pay close attention to plant health and water when needed.
Know Your Plants
Some basic knowledge of your plant varieties can further refine your watering schedule. Succulents and cacti have very low water needs. Tomatoes and vegetables require consistent moisture for good production. Shallow-rooted plants like azaleas may need daily watering. Drought-tolerant native plants are adapted to minimal watering. Research your specific plant types and find out their unique water requirements.
Pay attention to tell-tale signs of over or under-watering. Wilting, drooping leaves may indicate under-watering while yellowing leaves can signal over-watering. Adjust accordingly if plants show these symptoms.
Use a Rain Gauge
A rain gauge in your garden is a useful tool to track natural precipitation and determine if irrigation is needed. Most plants need about 1 inch of rain per week. If rain is insufficient, make up the difference with thorough, deep watering to maintain ideal moisture levels for plant health. Reduce watering after periods of heavy rainfall.
Test and Improve Soil
Soil type makes a difference in watering needs. Sandy soils drain quickly and require more frequent irrigation than heavy clay soils that retain moisture. Very compacted soils resist water penetration and percolation down to the root zone. Take steps to improve soil structure and drainage over time with regular additions of organic matter like compost.
A simple percolation test can give you insight into your soil drainage. Dig a small hole 6-8 inches deep, fill with water and time how long it takes to drain. Adjust your watering practices according to the results.
Conclusion
Following the basic rules of watering deeply, watering infrequently and watering in the morning will go a long way towards healthy, vibrant plants. But soil type, specific plant varieties, weather, climate and seasonal changes all play a role as well. Pay close attention to your plants and they will tell you when their needs change. With some observation and small adjustments, you can maintain consistently moist, aerated soil for optimal plant health.
