How often should I water?

[BlueRose]

Man, I'm on a roll with these questions! At least they're questions I need answers for. I have a bunch of plants/flowers started in pots in my house. I was wondering how often I have to water them? Like, do I have to water them once the soil is dry? When the spoil doesn't look as moist? Every other day?

 

[lesa]

This can be tricky.. you don't want to over water and you don't want them to dry out, too much. See what I mean? I put my finger in the soil, and if it feels dry, I water it. Sometimes you can see the soil pulling away from the sides of the container, etc. You will learn the signals as you work with your plants. Good luck!

 

[ducks4you]

I suggest that you contact your closest University that has and AG department, and check with THEM about watering, because your needs/soil, etc. will be the same.

 

[lesa]

I am assuming you mean while you are starting seedlings in the house??

 

[BlueRose]

Yeah Lesa, I do mean seedlings in the house.

 

[patandchickens]

It's not a timetable thing -- just water when they need it.

The soil surface will start to look a little paler, the edges may start to pull away from the container sides just a little, the whole thing will feel lighter weight if you pick it up.

When seedlings get bigger, like multiple pairs of true leaves and growing towards transplant size, you can see the leaf surface get a little more dull (less shiny); if they have started to droop at all, you waited a bit too long to water so make a mental note of what the soil looks/feels like so you can catch it sooner next time.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[curly_kate]

With my seedlings, I will wait until the soil is visibly dry. Then I water by pouring water in the tray the seedlings are sitting in. I come back in a few hours & drain off the water that hasn't been absorbed. That seems to work for me.