Watering Q & A

Watering almost becomes an art, when you consider that more plants die from overwatering than dehydration.

Year after year the most asked gardening question is "How often do I water my (fill in the blank)?"

In a perfect world we would quickly respond with "Water with 4.75 gallons of tepid water every 5 days, 23 hours and 19 minutes."

Unfortunately it's not a perfect world. The needs of every plant differ from garden to garden, often even in the same bed.

The fact is that more plants die from overwatering than from underwatering. All gardeners know the importance of water to our plants, so, in an attempt to do the right thing, we drown them.

Like every other aspect of gardening watering is 10% science, 90% art. So how much is too much and how little is too little? Though it's impossible to be specific, the answers below offer some guidelines.

Q: When I purchase a new plant I'm often told to "water it well when you plant it and from then on water enough to get it established but be careful not to overwater." What does that mean?

A: First of all the establishment period is usually one year for most plants, two years for trees and slower growing shrubs. Until plants are established, or locked in to their new location, they are susceptible to stress from any number of factors including overwatering.

Now here's the translation:
'Water it well when you plant it' means that whenever you install any plant always water it in with enough water to saturate the root ball and the amended soil.

'…water enough to get it established' translates to applying water at the right time in enough quantity to sustain a healthy, vigorous plant. It may be every other day, once a week or only once a month.
Here's how to know. Always check first. Move some of the mulch back and look at the soil around the plant. Does it look moist? Then don't water. Still not sure? Stick your finger in plant ball about two inches deep or turn over some soil. If it feels moist, don't water.

It's always better to slightly underwater than overwater. Roots grow in oxygen, not water, and quickly adapt to drier situations. If a soil is too wet root rot, an encompassing term for various ills, sets in and once it progresses beyond a certain point there is nothing you can do but watch your plant die. If you're ever in doubt, don't water. Wait a day and check again.

When water is required allow it to run long enough to soak the entire root area. It will probably take much longer than you realize and the only way to know if the moisture is penetrating deep enough is by moving the mulch back and probing the soil.

Q: Can I tell by looking at my plants if they need water?

A: Yes, with practice. Dry plants wilt but be observant. The initial stages of wet wilt resembles dry wilt. Check first by looking at and feeling the soil.

Q: How often should I water established plants?

A: During a normal temperature and rainfall year you may not have to water at all. Just because it's summer and you're hot and thirsty doesn't mean your garden is parched. When we enter an extreme situation, like a drought, you'll know it.