Introduction
Determining when to water outdoor plants can seem tricky, but it’s important to develop a watering schedule that meets your plants’ needs. By understanding some key factors that impact outdoor watering and learning to read your plants’ signs of thirst, you can keep your garden happy and healthy through the seasons.
What Impacts Outdoor Watering Needs?
Several variables affect how often outdoor plants need water:
Weather and Climate
- Hot, dry, and windy conditions cause faster moisture evaporation from soil and plant leaves, increasing water needs.
- Humid, cool, or rainy weather slows evaporation, decreasing water needs.
- Local climate patterns influence typical moisture and rainfall levels for your region.
Type of Plant
- Succulents and cacti thrive on infrequent watering.
- Annuals, vegetables, and container plants need more frequent watering.
- Established trees and shrubs can tolerate some drought once rooted, but need irrigation when young.
Soil Type
- Sandy soil drains quickly after watering and holds little moisture.
- Clay soil absorbs water slowly but retains it longer.
- Know your soil type to determine watering frequency.
Sun Exposure
- Plants in full sun or hot microclimates use water faster than shaded plants.
- Adjust watering routines based on sun exposure.
Plant Size and Age
- Young plants and seedlings need frequent, light watering.
- Mature, established plants can tolerate deeper, less frequent watering.
Signs It’s Time to Water
Learn to recognize when your specific plants need more water. Signs include:
- Wilting or drooping leaves that don’t revive in the evening.
- Leaves that appear dull, curled, or greyish.
- Soil is dry 1-2 inches below surface.
- Container plants feel light when lifted.
- Footprints remain visible on soil surface.
General Outdoor Watering Guidelines
Use these tips to determine basic watering schedules, then adjust as needed:
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation loss.
- Water deeply and infrequently, rather than frequent light sprinklings.
- Allow soil to partially dry between waterings to encourage deep roots.
- Increase watering duration and frequency during summer’s heat.
- Reduce watering needs in cooler weather and rainy seasons.
- Hand water containers and new plantings that need more frequent irrigation.
Watering Methods for Outdoors
Choose suitable watering methods based on your conditions:
Hand Watering
- Use a watering can or gentle hose and sprayer to directly water plants.
- Allows careful control of water amounts.
- Can be time consuming for large gardens.
Sprinklers
- Oscillating or rotating sprinklers cover larger areas of gardens and lawns.
- Some plants don’t respond well to overhead watering.
- Can waste water through evaporation, runoff, or overspray.
Drip Irrigation
- Drip emitters or soaker hoses deliver water slowly and directly to roots.
- Ideal for containers, raised beds, and vegetable gardens.
- Saves water and reduces weed growth.
Automatic Irrigation
- Programmable sprinkler controllers provide scheduled, unattended watering.
- Can be adjusted to provide right amount of water.
- Avoid excessive run times that waste water.
Watering Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs
Follow these tips for establishing new additions to your landscape:
- Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
- Water deeply 2-3 times per week for the first 3 months.
- Reduce to 1-2 times per week after established.
- Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
- Water at soil level, not foliage.
- Add mulch to help retain moisture.
- Adjust schedule for weather and plant size.
Conclusion
Paying close attention to your plants, weather patterns, and soil conditions will help determine optimal outdoor watering schedules. Proper watering results in healthier plants that can better withstand drought, pests, and diseases. Adapting both the timing and amounts of watering to meet plants’ needs will keep your landscape looking its best in any season.
With some observation and experience, you’ll get to know when your outdoor plants say “time for a drink!”