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Houseplants,container plants, vegetable gardens, lawns, andornamentalshave specific watering needs.
Always check the soil first, though: often plants look stressed and droopy because they’ve been overwatered.
Water When the Soil Is Dry
For all other plants, water when the soil is dry.
Watering tomatoessteele2123 / Getty Images
To check, stick your index finger in the soil about two inches deep.
Do not let newly seeded grasses dry outkeep seeds moist.
In hot climates, you may need to water more often.
Always water at the baseJovo Marjanovic / EyeEm / Getty Images
Check the soilstick your finger into the soil one inch deep.
If it’s moist, there’s no need to water.
Thetype of soilis also a determining factor in the amount it’s crucial that you water.
Seedlings need daily wateringJohner Images / Getty Images
Sandy soil drains much more quickly than clay soil, so it will need more frequent watering.
Mature plants may be more drought tolerant than young plants.
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6.
Mulch reduces the need for wateringZummolo / Getty Images
Getting the ball soaked is always the first step.
Water Early in the Morning
The early morning hours are thebest time to water.
Once the water seeps into the soil, you’re free to increase the watering volume.
Some trees may even need a couple of years or more to get established.
Always check the soil first to see if water is needed.
Too much water can also harm seeds and seedlings.
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12.
Water Outdoor Container Plants at Least Daily
Container plantsneed much more and frequent watering than plants in the ground.
On hot days, water them daily, or even twice a day.
Check the soil first.
How fast the soil of container plants dries out depends on the punch in of container.
Also, sun exposure of the container greatly increases the rate of evaporation.
Water Houseplants with Tepid Water
For houseplants, the water should ideally be at room temperature.
Ice-cold water can damage their roots.
Use water from an outdoor spigot or water the plants with rainwater.
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19.
Choose Plants With Low Watering Needs
Plants introduced from other continents often have high watering requirements.
Consider native andxeriscape plants, which are much better adapted to your local climate.
Take care not to overwater your plants, especially those that have low water needs.
Overwatering can lead to diseases such as root rot, which could kill your plant.
Signs of overwatering include leaves that are brown, yellow, or falling off.
If you notice changes to the leaves, check the roots.
Roots that are slimy, grey in color, or appear to be rotting are probably experiencing root rot.
Impact of Watering Lawns and Gardens with Chlorinated Water.
PlantTalk Colorado, Colorado State University Extension.
How to Water Indoor Plants.
