While anyone can water a plant, watering plants correctly takes time and experience. Understanding how plants use water, along with factors like plant type, size, soil texture, and weather conditions, is essential for successful gardening. Watering should never be a routine task, as the amount of water plants need is always changing, requiring your careful attention.
As Liberty Hyde Bailey, a renowned American horticulturist, noted back in 1917, “the watering of plants usually exhibits the skill, or the lack of it, of the gardener.” Simply put, becoming skilled at watering requires in-garden experience. However, you can get ahead by following these seven best practices for watering:
1. Water Where the Roots Are
Focus your watering efforts at the soil level, ensuring that the plant’s entire root zone is thoroughly soaked. Keep in mind that the root system is likely as wide as the plant and can extend one to two feet deep.
2. Check the Soil Before Watering
Your best tool for checking moisture is your hand. When the surface of the soil looks dry, dig down a few inches to check if it’s dry deeper down. If it is, it’s time to water; if not, wait another day before watering.
3. Water in the Morning
The ideal time to water is in the morning. This allows the leaves to dry throughout the day, reducing the risk of plant diseases. If morning watering isn’t possible, evening is the next best option.
4. Water Slowly
When the soil surface is dry, water can pool or run off without being absorbed. Start by watering slowly and gradually, allowing the soil to absorb the water deeply. Once the top few inches are moist, the water will penetrate more easily.
5. Make Every Drop Count
Use a watering wand, drip irrigation, or soaker hoses to direct water straight to the root zone. Watering early or late in the day minimizes moisture loss due to evaporation. Additionally, shielding plants from the wind helps retain moisture.
6. Don’t Overwater
Plants need oxygen as much as they need water. It’s essential to let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings, especially for container plants. Water deeply but less frequently to promote healthier roots.
7. Don’t Let Plants Dry Out
Plants may wilt during the heat of the day to conserve moisture, but they should recover by evening. Letting the soil dry out too much can damage the fine root hairs that help absorb water. When these root hairs need to regrow, the plant’s energy is diverted away from producing flowers and fruit.
8. Use Mulch to Conserve Moisture
Covering the soil with a thin layer of organic mulch such as compost, shredded leaves, bark, or pine needles helps conserve moisture by reducing evaporation and minimizing runoff. However, be mindful not to pile mulch too thickly; more than an inch can prevent water from reaching the roots.
By following these tips, you’ll improve your plant care routine and ensure your garden stays healthy and vibrant. Proper watering is not just about pouring water it’s about understanding your plants’ needs and adapting to changing conditions for optimal growth.
