If you’re new to container gardening, you might be asking yourself, “How much water do my plants need?” or “How often should I water my plants?” Potted plants tend to dry out quickly, so establishing a daily wet check is ideal. Watering early in the day can help your plants soak up the water before the heat of the day hits. It can be especially hot in our summers, so a second watering, perhaps in the early evening, may be needed.
The good ol’ finger test is a great indicator of your plant’s water needs. Stick your finger into your pot to feel how wet your soil currently is and assess its needs from there. When watering your container, be sure to water until you see the water flowing from the drainage holes beneath your pot. This ensures that the water is making it to the bottom of your plant which will help your plant stretch its roots downward making it stronger and healthier. If your container does not have any drainage holes, your soil may stay wet for longer periods of time. The finger test comes in particularly handy here.
Your plant will also show signs of stress if it needs water. Drooping leaves are the biggest indicator. After watering, your plant will stand upright within a few hours!
