Essential Watering Tips for a Thriving Container Garden
Let’s talk about one of (if not, THE) most essential elements to growing a thriving, successful container garden:
Water.
Plants in a pot rely on the amount of water provided inside the limited capacity of the container soil media — hence why watering potted plants is so important!
Below, I’m sharing my best container garden watering tips below to answer the how’s, when’s and what’s that you need to know in order to cultivate a flourishing container garden at home.
What You’ll Learn:
How do I know when my container garden needs water?
How often do I need to water my container garden?
When is the best time to water my container garden?
How much should I water my container garden?
How do I water my container garden?
What do I use to water my container garden?
How do I know when my container garden needs water?
Different plant species require different amounts of water. As you researched and planned your container garden, you probably read about the needs of the plants you chose for your potted garden. Keep the species’ needs in consideration. Plants that prefer drier conditions (like succulents) will need less water than a plant who loves a moist environment (like canna).
For the most exact way of knowing, you can utilize a soil moisture meter. This device measures the moisture level and provides a reading so you know when it’s time to water.
A general way to know if your container garden needs water is to stick your fingers down into the top 1-2 inches of soil. If the soil sticks to your fingers and is moist, hold off on watering. If the soil is dry and falls off your fingers, water the container garden.
Besides feeling the soil, you’ll also get to know the cues the plant gives when it’s thirsty. Some plants droop, wilt, curl their leaves or look less vibrant when they need watering. As you care for your container garden, you’ll start to learn the plant’s language.
How often do I need to water my container garden?
There are many variables that determine how often your container garden will need water. Wind, temperature, sun exposure, container material, size of container, plant size and type of plants all affect water retention.
In general, potted gardens should not be allowed to completely dehydrate. Yes, you’ll want to allow their soil to dry slightly between watering, but you do not want to allow the plants to lose access to all moisture for a considerable amount of time. This can damage the plants.
Note that container gardens will need less water during mild weather and more water during hot weather. In summer, when plants have grown to a considerable size and the temperatures increase, it is very likely that you will need to water twice a day. Again, let your finger test or the plants’ cues tell you when to water.
When is the best time to water my container garden?
Early morning is the ideal time to water anything in your garden. The plant starts the day hydrated and ready to take on the heat of the afternoon. Plus, watering in the morning allows the foliage to completely dry, therefore helping control plant diseases, such as fungus.
Can’t water in the morning? Water in the evening before the sun goes down so there is time for the plants’ foliage to dry before the sun sets.
Avoid watering in the heat of the day.
How much should I water my container garden?
Generally speaking, water enough to soak the soil profile.
In layman’s terms, water until all of the soil in the container is moist and the excess moisture has drained through the bottom of the pot.
How do I water my container garden?
When watering, I find it best to use a light showering (think like a natural rain) method to moisten the soil. If you use a hard stream, the soil will not be able to absorb the moisture delivered all at once and it will run off.
Note: Be sure the water reaches the soil, and you’re not just watering the tops of the plants. The plant uses its roots to drink the water.
What do I use to water my container garden?
I personally hand water all of my container gardens using a hose and watering wand or watering can. Watering my pots by hand allows me to personally inspect the needs of each plant combination and check for other issues (like pests) while I water. The con of this practice is the time it takes to water on a daily basis.
If you’re worried about the time commitment of hand water, there are automatic options. Many people find drip irrigation to be advantageous as they designate a zone on their lawn and landscape sprinkler system to water their container plantings. This saves time and the watering is more precise. Obviously, there is more expense to this route, but the investment will last for many years.
Watering Tools for Your Container Garden
Want to peruse all of my gardening favorites, including my most loved watering gadgets and accessories mentioned in this post?
Check out my Amazon storefront at the link below to shop the goods.
