Watering outdoor plants can seem tricky. After all, Mother Nature provides rain – so how much additional water do outdoor plants really need? The frequency of watering depends on the type of plant, its location, and weather conditions. With a bit of observation and care, you can determine the optimal watering schedule for your outdoor plants.
Introduction
Water is essential for plants to grow and thrive. Outdoor plants have some access to natural precipitation but often require supplementary watering by the gardener. Determining the right watering frequency prevents problems like drought stress, fungal diseases, mineral deficiencies and more.
This article will provide tips on:
- How often different types of outdoor plants need water.
- Signs that plants need more or less water.
- Best practices for watering outdoor plants efficiently.
- Adjusting watering based on weather and season.
- Common mistakes to avoid when watering.
Follow these guidelines to establish a watering routine that meets your plants’ needs in your climate. With attentive care, your outdoor plants can flourish!
How Often to Water Common Outdoor Plant Types
Outdoor plants have varying water needs based on factors like their natural habitat and size. Some general recommendations:
Annuals
Watering Frequency: 1-2 times per week
Annuals like petunias, zinnias and marigolds live for only one growing season. Native to tropical or subtropical climates, most annuals require regular moisture. Water them about an inch per week, dividing it into a couple weekly sessions. Annuals in containers may need water every day during hot spells.
Perennials
Watering Frequency: 1-2 times per week
Perennials come back year after year. Examples include coneflowers, hostas and ornamental grasses. Consider the plant’s natural environment – drier habitats like prairies or woods versus wetlands or bogs. Most perennials need an inch of water weekly, applied 1-2 times. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Trees and Shrubs
Watering Frequency: 1-2 times per week
Newly planted trees and shrubs need frequent deep watering for their roots to establish. Water them 2-3 times per week for the first two months. After establishment, mature trees and shrubs can get by on less frequent, deep soakings. Water them for an hour to penetrate deeper soil layers 1-2 times per week.
Succulents
Watering Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks
Succulents store water in their fleshy leaves, stems or roots. Native to hot, dry climates, they are very drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. In warm weather, water succulents every 2-3 weeks. In winter, water only once a month.
Vegetable Garden
Watering Frequency: 1 inch per week
Vegetable gardens need consistent moisture for best productivity. Water them with about an inch of water per week, spread out over a few sessions. Vegetable plants have different critical periods for watering – for example, tomatoes need consistent moisture when fruit is ripening. Check soil frequently to determine when to water.
Container Plants
Watering Frequency: Daily to twice weekly
Plants in containers have limited soil and dry out faster than in-ground plants. Monitor soil moisture daily. Water container plants when the top inch of soil is dry. Small containers may need water daily while larger pots can go 2-3 days between waterings.
New Plantings
Watering Frequency: 2-3 times per week
Providing plenty of water helps new plantings get established. Water new plants deeply 2-3 times per week for the first 4-6 weeks. Gradually reduce frequency as plants develop roots to tap water and nutrients from the surrounding soil.
Lawns
Watering Frequency: 1-2 times per week
Lawns need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week from irrigation or rainfall. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation loss. Time sprinklers to provide thorough penetration. Allow the soil to partially dry between sessions. During drought or summer heat, increase watering to 2-3 times per week.
Signs It’s Time to Water Outdoor Plants
In addition to following a schedule, observe plants for visible cues that they need water. Signs of underwatering include:
- Wilting or drooping leaves that perk up when watered.
- Leaves changing color or developing brown, crunchy tips.
- Slow or stunted growth.
- Soil pulling away from edges of containers.
- Soil feels dry when checked 1-2 inches below surface.
Plants may show underwatering signs a day or two before visible wilting. With experience, you can learn when your plants need water before they show serious stress.
Best Practices for Watering Outdoor Plants
Watering properly is just as important as watering frequently. Use these methods to maximize the benefits and minimize waste:
- Water early in the morning before heat builds. Avoid afternoon/evening sessions – wet foliage at night encourages fungal diseases.
- Water deeply, applying enough water to saturate the entire root zone. Shallow watering creates shallow root systems prone to drying out.
- Use soaker hoses, drip irrigation or watering wands at the base of plants to keep foliage dry and prevent diseases.
- Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings so plant roots get oxygen.
- Use mulch to conserve moisture and reduce watering needs.
- Collect rainwater in barrels to use for irrigation.
- Avoid excessive fertilizer which makes plants thirstier.
- Group plants by watering needs – heavy drinkers like annuals together in one area, drought-tolerant plants like succulents in another.
- Check soil moisture levels before and after watering to gauge the right amount of water for your climate and soil type.
Adjusting Watering Frequency Based on Weather
Outdoor watering schedules need to fluctuate based on weather conditions:
Hot and Dry Periods
Increase watering frequency during heat waves and drought. Plants lose more moisture through transpiration when it’s hot and dry. Monitor plants daily and water as needed to prevent wilt.
Cool and Wet Periods
Decrease watering after several days of rain or during cooler weather when transpiration slows. Stick your finger in the soil to gauge moisture before watering.
Windy Conditions
Plants lose more water through leaves on windy days. Boost watering by 25% on windy weeks to make up for the increased transpiration.
New Plantings
Water new plantings more frequently until their root systems are established. Gradually taper off to a normal schedule within 4-6 weeks.
Before and After Vacation
Provide a thorough, deep watering to tide plants over while you’re away. Upon returning, ease them back into a normal routine unless plants show severe underwatering.
Adjusting Watering Frequency by Season
Along with weather, adjust watering schedules seasonally:
Spring
As temperatures warm in spring, plants exit dormancy and begin actively growing. Increase water as needed during periods of growth.
Summer
Peak watering is needed in summer when heat and sunlight are most intense. Watch plants closely and don’t let soil totally dry out.
Fall
As temperatures cool in autumn, plants enter dormancy and need less water. Allow more time between waterings.
Winter
Reduce watering frequency significantly in winter when plants are dormant. However, water if soil is dry and forecast is warm and sunny.
Common Watering Mistakes
- Underwatering – This is most common problem. Wilting, poor growth and other issues result.
- Overwatering – Too much moisture deprives roots of oxygen. Cause plant decline and diseases.
- Infrequent Deep Watering – Light sprinkles keep just the topsoil wet. Encourages shallow roots.
- Watering at Night – Wet leaves for prolonged periods encourages fungal and bacterial diseases.
- Sprinkling or Misting Foliage – Does not penetrate soil. Leads to foliage diseases.
- Location – Watering plants located under eaves or overhangs often misses the root zone.
- Runoff – Excessive watering simply runs off compacted or sloped soil rather than soaking the root zone.
- Spraying Leaves of Succulents or Cacti – Allows crown rot diseases; water soil only.
Conclusion
It takes some trial and error to determine the optimal watering frequency for outdoor plants in your unique setting. But paying close attention to their needs ensures good health and performance. Avoid over- or under-watering by assessing soil moisture, watching for thirst signals, adjusting for weather variations and correcting mistakes. A little vigilance goes a long way in caring for outdoor plants through the seasons!
Frequently Asked Questions About Watering Outdoor Plants
Watering outdoor plants properly helps them grow and thrive. But it can be tricky to get the watering schedule right. Here are answers to some common questions about best practices for watering all types of outdoor plants.
How much should outdoor plants be watered each week?
Most outdoor plants need about 1 inch of water per week from rain or irrigation. This equals about 5 gallons of water over the plant’s root zone each week. Some plants need slightly less (cacti, succulents) while others need more (annuals, vegetables).
When is the best time of day to water outdoor plants?
The best time to water is early morning, before 10 am if possible. Avoid watering in the heat of the afternoon when much water is lost to evaporation. Evening watering allows plant leaves to remain wet overnight, which encourages fungal diseases.
Is it better to water plants heavily once per week or lightly every day?
Less frequent, deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering. Aim to water long enough to saturate the entire root zone, not just the surface. Deep weekly soakings encourage roots to grow deeper.
How long should sprinklers run when watering a lawn?
Lawns need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Run sprinklers long enough to apply this amount, adjusting for your system’s rate of output. For example, if you deliver 0.5 inch of water per hour of sprinkling, run sprinklers 2-3 hours per week.
How can I tell when outdoor potted plants need water?
Check potted plants daily by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top inch is dry, it’s time to water. Another sign is soil pulling away from edges of the container. Wilting leaves indicate you’ve waited too long to water.
Should I skip outdoor watering after heavy rain?
Yes, hold off watering after significant rainfall, such as 1 inch or more. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil to be sure it is moist before resuming your watering schedule. This saves water and prevents oversaturation.
When watering annuals, is it better to wet the leaves or just water at the base?
It’s best to water annuals, and all plants, at the base near the roots. Getting water on the leaves can allow diseases to develop. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to water the soil without wetting foliage.
How often should I move sprinklers when watering my yard?
To distribute water evenly, move sprinklers every 15-30 minutes. This ensures good coverage without overwatering any section. Adjust timing for proper water penetration in your soil type without run off.
Why do some outdoor plants wilt even when I water them regularly?
Wilting can indicate underwatering, but overwatering can also be the cause if soil is kept too soggy. Make sure soil partially dries between waterings for root aeration. Or improve drainage in heavy clay soils prone to compaction.
Conclusion
Proper watering technique is key for growing thriving outdoor container and landscape plants. Watch plants for cues, feel the soil to gauge moisture, and adapt your schedule as needed through the seasons. Deep weekly soakings are better than frequent shallow sprinklings. Aim for moist yet aerated soil using best practices customized for your environment.
How to Develop an Outdoor Plant Watering Schedule
Figuring out a watering schedule for outdoor plants can take some trial and error. Follow these steps to determine the right watering frequency for the plants in your unique environment:
Gather Information
- Identify your plants: Note sun exposure, soil drainage, plant types and which have similar needs.
- Observe your climate: Is it arid or humid? Note seasonal rainfall patterns.
- Check irrigation system output: How much water is applied and how fast?
- Learn plant water needs: Factor in variables like containers vs in-ground planting.
Estimate Watering Frequency
Use plant type guidelines and weather patterns to estimate a starting schedule for times per week. For example:
- Annuals: 2-3 times
- Vegetables: 1-2 times
- Trees/Shrubs: 1 time
- Succulents: Every 2-3 weeks
Adjust for extremes like heat waves or rain. More waterings for containers.
Observe Plants
Note signs of over or underwatering like wilting or excess moisture. Feel soil to determine if water is penetrating deep enough. Does water run off quickly indicating poor absorption?
Adjust as Needed
If plants show underwatering signs between waterings, increase frequency. Allow more days between waterings if soil stays soggy. Improve irrigation methods if necessary.
Account for Variables
If plants are stressed even when soil seems moist enough, consider other factors like disease, drainage issues, or irrigation problems. Address these issues rather than simply increasing water.
Be Flexible
There is no “one size fits all” watering schedule. Remain observant and adapt the schedule as needed through the seasons, adjusting for weather patterns and plant growth cycles.
Consistency is Key
Whatever schedule you develop, staying consistent gives plants the moisture stability they need. Avoid letting plants go too long between waterings even if they seem to survive.
Conclusion
It takes vigilant observation to develop a suitable watering schedule tailored to your conditions. Pay close attention to plant cues, soil moisture and climate patterns to determine optimal frequency. Aim for consistent, deep watering without saturation for outdoor plant health. Adjust your schedule as needed to provide just the right amount of moisture.
Common Outdoor Plants and Their Water Requirements
When developing a watering schedule, it is helpful to understand how much water some common outdoor plants need. This depends on factors like the natural climate of the plant and its features such as leaf size. Here is a look at average water requirements for some popular outdoor plant varieties:
Annuals
Petunias: Water when top 1 inch of soil is dry. Consistent moisture is needed, about 1 inch per week. Let soil slightly dry between waterings.
Marigolds: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. About 1 inch of water per week.
Impatiens: Keep consistently moist, never allowing soil to fully dry out. Need 1-2 inches of water per week.
Zinnias: Require full sun so need frequent watering, 1-2 inch per week. Let soil dry slightly between waterings.
Perennials
Daylily: Water moderately, about 1 inch per week. Let soil dry between sessions. Do not overwater.
Hostas: Prefer moist soil. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Need 1-2 inches of water per week.
Iris: Require moderately moist but well-drained soil. Allow soil to dry out between watering.
Peonies: Need extra water while blooming. Otherwise water when soil just begins to dry out.
Shrubs and Trees
Hydrangea: Consistently moist soil. Water when top of soil becomes dry. 1-2 inches per week.
Azaleas: Keep soil moist but not saturated to prevent root rot. Water 1-2 times per week.
Japanese Maple: Require moist, well-drained soil. Water about 1 inch per week, allowing slight drying between sessions.
Arborvitae: Prefers well-drained soil. Water deeply 1-2 times per week during heat and drought.
Succulents
Aloe: Allow soil to thoroughly dry between waterings. Water every 2-3 weeks during warm weather.
Echeveria: Wait until leaves look slightly shriveled before watering. Needs very infrequent watering.
Jade Plant: Water thoroughly only when top two inches of soil are completely dry. About every 2-4 weeks.
Sedum: Let soil dry between occasional deep watering. Needs much less frequent water than other plants.
Conclusion
These examples demonstrate how water needs vary significantly by plant variety depending on climate and growth habit. Do research to understand requirements for the specific plants in your outdoor beds and containers. This ensures you can meet their unique moisture needs.
How Soil Type Affects Watering Frequency
The type of soil that outdoor plants are growing in is a factor in how often they need to be watered. Soil texture and structure impact moisture retention and drainage. Here is how different soil types affect outdoor plant irrigation requirements:
Sandy Soil
Drainage: Very fast draining
Watering Frequency: Frequent, 2-3 times per week
Notes: Sandy soils have excellent drainage from large particles, but do not retain moisture well. Frequent, shallow watering is needed to keep root zone moist.
Clay Soil
Drainage: Slow, can become waterlogged
Watering Frequency: Infrequent, 1 time per week
Notes: Clay’s dense particles absorb water slowly. Allow soil to dry between deep waterings. Improve drainage with organic matter to prevent compaction.
Loamy Soil
Drainage: Moderate