How to Water Your Plants
Proper Watering is the Cornerstone of a Successful Garden
The key lies in being attentive.
A thriving garden starts with healthy, well-hydrated plants. Just like any living organism, plants require water to carry out essential functions such as nutrient absorption, photosynthesis, and growth. Unfortunately, many gardeners underestimate the importance of watering and fail to provide their plants with enough moisture to flourish. Conversely, some gardeners inadvertently harm their plants by excessively watering them, leading to root rot and ultimately causing the plants' demise. Learn how to strike a balance and find the Goldilocks zone, providing just the right amount of moisture to promote healthy growth without drowning the roots.
How much water do my plants need?
The watering requirements for a garden can vary significantly depending on several factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all prescription. This absence of a universal watering guideline can be exasperating for gardeners!
Being attentive to your plants and the environmental factors that impact them will enable you to adjust your watering schedule accordingly, ultimately promoting healthier growth and overall gardening success. Get to know your plants and their environment by developing an awareness of the following factors:
The type of plant. Plants have different preferences for soil moisture, so make sure you understand their unique needs. For example, water-loving summersweet clethra likes moist soil; purple coneflower prefers dry soil. Ask nursery staff for watering guidance, refer to the plant’s tag, or do some online research to better understand the moisture preferences of your individual plant species. If you are working with a designer, ask for watering guidelines.
The stage of growth. Newly planted garden plants need lots of water, generally more than the beginning gardener anticipates. It takes time for young plants to develop a root system that can absorb enough water and become established. Make sure you are available to water new plants frequently and deeply, and are able to carve out time in your schedule for this recurring commitment. As plants mature and growth slows, you can water less frequently.
The weather: Temperature, rainfall, humidity, drying winds, cloud cover, and seasonal changes all play a part in determining how often you should water your plants. Developing a flexible watering schedule that takes into account ever-changing weather conditions will help you to provide the right amount of water to keep your garden thriving. And do not rely on vague forecasts of “evening thunderstorms” to provide the water your plants need - frequently, storms don’t develop or do not provide a deep enough watering.
The type of soil. The type of soil in your garden plays a crucial role in determining the frequency of watering. Sandy soil drains fast and tends to dry out quickly; clay soil retains water for longer periods of time and can become waterlogged. Loamy soil strikes a balance between water retention and drainage. If you are not sure what type of soil you have, do this easy at-home soil test with water, soil and a spatula.
The light exposure. Plants grown in full sun tend to dry out more quickly than plants in shade. Increased levels of sunlight and temperature will contribute to higher rates of water loss through the leaves. And yes, it’s fine to water your plants on a sunny day - you will not “burn” the leaves or harm the plant in any way, although you may lose some extra water to evaporation. Watering in the mornings or evening is generally more water-efficient, but with busy life schedules, water at the time of day that is most convenient for you!
The topography. The way water flows and collects on your property due to its topography plays a vital role in determining the water distribution and absorption patterns in your garden. In areas where the land is sloping, water flows downwards and the soil does not retain as much water. Conversely, low-lying areas and depressions are prone to water accumulation. Terraced areas and raised beds will dry out quickly, as will pots and planters. Observing the movement of water across your property during a storm can offer valuable insights to help you better decide when and how much to water your garden.
The competition. Competition from tree roots and dense plantings can significantly influence how often you need to water your garden. Trees, especially mature ones with extensive root systems, can compete with other plants in your garden for water. This can be particularly problematic for shallow-rooted plants that are more susceptible to drying out. Dense plantings, where plants are closely spaced together, also create a competitive environment.
The heat. Radiated heat from various sources, such as driveways, patios, walkways, and sidewalks, can contribute to increased evaporation and water loss in your garden. Areas exposed to radiated heat tend to dry out quickly and may need more frequent waterings than other areas of your yard.
The size. All plants like to be watered deeply. Trees and large shrubs, with their larger root balls and more complex root systems, will need a longer and deeper watering than small shrubs, perennials and grasses.
Deeply soaking the roots of a newly planted tree can require 5-10 minutes of hand watering.
How long should I water my plants?
Again, there is no one-size-fits-all prescription for how often and how much to water your garden. These are general guidelines you can use to help you begin to form a watering plan, taking into account each plant’s individual moisture preference and the environmental factors discussed above. Before watering, check the moisture level of your soil (more on that below). Always water deeply - this encourages the development of a strong, complex root system and a healthy plant. Deep, less frequent waterings are better than frequent, shallow ones.
A good soaking for a tree or large shrub may require 5-10 minutes of hand watering, or 30-60 minutes of water trickling from a hose (more on these techniques below).
For smaller shrubs, large shrub-like perennials, and large clumps of grasses, 1-2 minutes of hand watering can be sufficient.
For smaller perennials and grasses, 15-30 seconds of watering per plant can suffice.
Containers should be watered until water flows through the holes in the bottom of the pot.
How often should I water my plants?
How often to water newly planted plants:
Week 1: Every 1-2 days
Weeks 2, 3 and 4: 2-3 times per week
The remainder of the first year: 1-3 times per week, possibly more during times of drought or high temperatures.
Year two: 1-3 times per week, possibly more during times of drought or high temperatures.
How often to water established plants:
Established perennials: Check the soil moisture, and water deeply when the top 2-4 inches of soil are dry. It takes 2 years for drought-tolerant perennials to establish themselves and accomodate reduced water levels.
Established small shrubs: Check the soil moisture, and water deeply when the top 4-6 inches of soil are dry. Shrubs that are drought-tolerant will only become so after establishing themselves, which takes about 2 years.
Established large shrubs and trees: Since these plants have large, complex root systems, it can be difficult for the home gardener to check the soil moisture several inches deep into the ground. A long, deep watering 1-2 times a month should be sufficient, taking into account weather and rainfall amounts. Water more often during times of drought and high temperatures.
Should I Water My Plants During the Winter?
In general, most plants lose leaves and enter a state of dormancy during the winter months, and do not need supplemental watering. However, there are a few exceptions:
Evergreen plants: Evergreen plants do not lose their foliage during the wintertime, and can experience water loss through their leaves during periods of freezing cold temperatures and drying winds. Make sure evergreens are well-hydrated in November and early December, before the cold temperatures set in. If the winter season is dry, without much rain or snowfall, give your evergreen plants a few deep soakings on days when the temperature is above 40 degrees. Earlier in the day is the best time to water, as it allows the plants to absorb moisture before temperatures drop at night and the ground freezes again.
Containers: Plants in containers dry out quickly because they have less soil volume to draw water from. Throughout the winter months, monitor the soil moisture in containers, using a finger or a moisture meter. If needed, water containers early in the day when the temperature is above 40 degrees.
Newly planted trees and shrubs: Newly planted trees and shrubs have not developed complex root systems yet, and will need extra help with watering during dry winter spells. Water deeply and slowly on warmer days, when the temperatures are above 40 degrees, and allow the water to completely soak into the ground. Stick to watering in the morning or early afternoon, allowing roots to absorb water before soil and air temperatures plummet in the evening.
A moisture meter is a handheld device used to measure the level of moisture present in the soil.
How Do I Check the Moisture Level of My Soil?
Checking the moisture level of your soil is crucial for determining when your plants need watering. Here are a few methods you can use to check soil moisture:
Finger Test: The simplest method is to stick your finger a few inches into the soil, and see if the soil feels dry or moist. You can also use a trowel to dig down a few inches and then insert a finger to gauge the soil moisture.
Visual Inspection: Check the soil's surface, and if it looks dry and cracked, it's likely that the deeper layers are also dry. Moist soil usually appears darker and holds its shape better.
Soil Moisture Meter: A soil moisture meter is a handheld device used to measure the level of moisture present in the soil. It typically features a probe that is inserted into the soil, providing instant feedback on whether the soil is dry, moist, or saturated, helping to guide your watering decisions.
How to Water your Garden - A Guide to Different Watering Techniques
Hand Watering:
Description: This traditional method involves using a hose, usually with a nozzle or wand attachment, to water plants by hand.
Advantages: Inexpensive, provides a personal touch, allows you to target specific plants, and helps you monitor their condition closely. Allows you to aim water directly at the roots of the plants, rather than the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Considerations: Time-consuming, especially for larger gardens. Dragging the hose around may cause damage to garden plants.
Soaker Hose:
Description: A porous hose laid along the base of plants, allowing water to seep out slowly and directly into the soil. Can be used in conjunction with a timer to automate watering schedules.
Advantages: Consistent, even and efficient water usage. Easy to install and a time-efficient manner of watering for the busy gardener. Relatively inexpensive when compared to other watering systems.
Considerations: The placement of hoses may need to be adjusted as the plants grow. Hoses can potentially clog and leak, and this method is not as precise and efficient when compared to drip irrigation.
The “hose trickle” method for trees and large shrubs - set the hose on a slow trickle and aim it towards the roots of the plant for 30-60 minutes.
Hose Trickle Method (for trees and large shrubs)
Description: Take the nozzle or wand off your hose, and run it at a slow trickle, aiming towards the roots of the plant, for 30-60 minutes.
Advantages: Waters deeply and promotes root development, more hands-off than hand watering - set a timer and do some other yard work while the plant is being watered!
Disadvantages: Water runoff, uneven distribution of water, greater potential for overwatering if you forget to turn the hose off, not a suitable watering method for perennials and grasses.
Drip Irrigation:
Description: A system with tubes and emitters that deliver water directly to the plant's root zone in a controlled, slow manner. Can be automated with the use of a timer.
Advantages: Highly efficient water usage and reduced water waste. Precise targeting of each plant’s root zone. Time efficient, hands-off watering approach for the busy gardener.
Considerations: Requires setup and maintenance, the emitters could potentially clog, and this method is more expensive when compared to using soaker hoses.
Professional Irrigation System:
Description: A comprehensive automated watering system tailored to the garden's layout and needs.
Advantages: Precise water delivery, covers large areas efficiently, customizable schedules, and often integrates rain sensors for water conservation. Some systems can be controlled by an app, letting you monitor and make adjustments from any location.
Considerations: Requires professional installation and maintenance, initial cost can be high, may require occasional adjustments.
Can I Use a Sprinkler to Water the Trees, Shrubs and Perennials in My Garden?
Using a sprinkler to water the trees, shrubs and perennials in your yard is not recommended. Sprinklers are designed for broad coverage and are more suitable for watering lawns. When sprinklers are used to water trees, shrubs, and perennials, they often lead to wasteful water usage, uneven distribution, and potential harm to the plants. The water delivered by sprinklers can evaporate quickly, before it reaches the roots of the plants. Additionally, leaves can become excessively wet, making plants susceptible to fungal diseases.
Taking the time to learn about your plants and closely observing their growth and appearance will enhance your skills as a gardener and will empower you to make informed decisions about watering. When you pay close attention to your plants, the signs of overwatering, under watering, and proper watering will become apparent:
Signs of your plants being well-hydrated and happy: firm leaves, vibrant and even-colored foliage, active growth, no wilting or drooping.
Signs of overwatering: yellowing or browning of leaves, wilting despite the soil being wet, mold growth on the soil surface, a foul odor emanating from the soil, and slow or stunted growth.
Signs of under watering: wilted or drooping leaves, dry and crispy leaf edges and stems, slowed growth, and a generally dull or lackluster appearance with muted foliage colors.