Watering
Average time to read: 1.6 minutes
In most container gardens, plants are limited to the resources in their pots. Their roots cannot grow deep into the soil in search of moisture. They do not benefit from rainfall the way an in-gound garden would. The little soil they have in their pots will dry out on hot sunny days. As is the case with most vegetable plants, dry periods are not tolerated very well (or at all). So keeping your garden watered is one of the most important jobs you’ll have all season long.
Know your plant’s needs:
Some plants benefit from a drying out period between waterings. Some plants will only tolerate a dry spell here and there. Others will be damaged beyond repair if allowed to wilt even once. This means you wont necessarily go out and water your garden evenly each day. For best results, tailor your approach to the plant’s preferences.
Water in the morning:
Plants don’t like going to bed with their feet wet. Watering first thing in the morning is best. The plant has time to make use of the moisture before the heat of the day. Moisture-related issues are minimized. Some new research suggests plants produce more nectar when watered in the morning so pollination will be improved. However, if you cannot water first thing in the morning, do so late in the afternoon after the heat of day has passed.
Water thoroughly:
Make sure your plants get enough! You should see it running through the drainage holes but be careful. If your pots are in saucers, do not let them sit in water for longer than an hour.
Don’t overdo it:
Be careful not to get into the habit of soaking your garden every day because that might be too much. Adapt your watering schedule to the weather, as well as the size and preferences of the plant. Avoid moisture-related issues like root rot by getting into the habit of feeling the soil in each pot before watering.
Use mulch:
Take a page out of Mother Nature’s book and cover bare soil with leaf litter, bark, untreated wood chips, or straw. You’ll notice much slower evaporation of moisture from your pots so you can cut back on watering.
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