How Often Should You Water Your Plants? Helpful Tips for Beginners

Watering plants may seem like a straightforward task to newbie gardeners, but it’s one of the trickiest parts of plant care. Water them too much, and your plants might suffer from root rot. Whereas watering too little can lead to wilting and stunted growth. Add to this the fact that there is no single rule that works for all plants, and the entire task can become overwhelming for beginners. Don’t worry and stay calm! The information in this article will help you understand better how to assess when to water your plants and how much to water them.

First, the basics of plant watering

Water helps plants thrive by absorbing nutrients and keeping roots healthy. It also aids photosynthesis. However, it’s essential to understand that different plants have different needs. Moreover, factors such as soil type, sunlight exposure, pot size, local climate, and the microclimate of the terrace, balcony, or patio also determine how often to water your plants. Therefore, you should learn to assess and adapt to your plant’s watering needs based on these criteria, instead of sticking to a fixed watering schedule.

Use the following tips as a guide.

1. Test the soil for moisture

Instead of filling up the watering can every morning and watering each plant in your garden, check if your plant actually needs water. The finger test is the simplest way to assess. Insert around 1-2 inches of your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water the plant. If you feel even a slight dampness in the soil, postpone watering for another day or two.

A more accurate method is to use a moisture meter. However, bear in mind that a meter is only a guide. Observing the plant is essential to ensure it gets the water needed to stay healthy.

2. Water according to plant type

Different plant types have different watering needs, so watering according to specific needs is a good idea.

• Succulents & Cacti: Their leaves and stems function like mini reservoirs, storing water for future needs. Water these plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry completely between sessions.
• Flowering plants: These plants require consistent moisture, especially during the blooming season. Therefore, it’s essential to test for soil moisture every few days to water as needed.
• Foliage plants: These plants do better with moderate watering. The trick is to ensure the soil is slightly moist, but not too wet.
• Seedlings & young plants: Until plants establish themselves well in a pot and adapt to their environment, they require more frequent, but gentle watering. It’s important to keep the soil evenly moist to encourage healthy root development.
• Indoor vs. outdoor plants: Since indoor plants are less exposed to sunlight and wind, they require a reduced watering frequency compared to outdoor ones.  

3. Alter the watering schedule by season

Your garden watering schedule must change with the seasons.

• Summer: The higher temperatures result in faster evaporation. Therefore, more frequent watering will benefit your plants.
• Winter: As most plants go into their dormant phase and growth slows, they need less water. It’s best to cut back on watering, but without letting the soil dry out completely, particularly for moisture-loving plants.
• Monsoon/Rainy season: When the plant is already getting moisture from the rain, overwatering can be a risk, increasing the chances of root rot. Ideally, you should check the soil before you water your plants.
• Spring & autumn: Moderate watering is the way to go in these seasons. Always keep an eye on changing temperatures and plant growth patterns to ensure you provide the right amount of water.

4. Water your plants at the correct time of day

It’s always better to water plants in the early mornings, as it allows enough time for the moisture to soak into the soil before the midday heat causes the leaves to dry. Watering in the early mornings also reduces the risk of fungal diseases. It’s best to avoid late evening watering, as dampness overnight is the leading cause of root rot and mildew.

Tips for watering your plants correctly

• Instead of watering only the surface, water your plants deeply to allow moisture to reach their roots.
• Add mulch on top of the soil to lock in moisture and reduce evaporation.
• Arrange plants with similar watering needs together for efficient watering.
• Ensure pots have drainage holes and keep them well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
• Watch your plants for signs such as yellow leaves, wilting, or crispy edges, as these indicate watering issues.

So, as you’ve learnt, there’s no one-size-fits-all schedule for watering plants. The only way to get it right is to observe your plants, test the soil, and adjust accordingly based on plant type and season. With time, you’ll develop a natural rhythm that adapts to the seasons, allowing your plants to thrive and your garden to remain beautiful.