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It is important to water your container
gardens deeply in any weather, but especially in the warm summer
months when plants are growing quickly and have high needs for water.
Evaporation rates also increase in these months.
Remember, the soil in your pots is
the only earth your plants can draw on. They depend on you to
meet their needs for nutrients and moisture. If it rains
outside, there is typically only a small portion of soil that is
exposed to the drops. The atmospheric moisture is great news for
them, but in truth- the roots usually only receive a fraction of their
water needs. A day or two after rain, check the soil and water
as usual.
You can check your soil's moisture by
poking your finger in one inch below the soil level. If needed,
water the soil on the surface with a watering can or hose fitted with
sprayer or wand.
Water thoroughly on the surface of
the soil, then wait a minute to see if water drips out of the bottom
of the container. If it does, you've supplied ample water for
that container. If not, repeat until water is visible exiting
the bottom of the container. You should aim to water less
frequently, but supply more water when you do.
Water early in the morning or late
afternoon for better results with less water. To avoid mildew,
try not to wet the leaves in the evening. After planting a new
container, there is no such thing as too much water. |
