I can sense you already guffawing at the title, rolling your eyes and thinking, "Why do we need a How-To on watering plants?" Isn't this the most natural and basic fundamental for every gardener? True, it is. But that doesn't mean that every gardener knows how to perform this activity well.

In fact, let's test your plant watering acumen:

• Do you know how much water each of your plants requires on a daily (regular) basis?


• Are any of your plants being over/under watered?


• Are you wasting water in your garden because your plants might be getting more than they need?


• Could you accurately inform another person how much water your plants require while you are away on vacation, sick etc.?

If you've answered "No" to any of these questions then I'm guessing you're counting your blessings that this post came along when it did. While the title, "How to water plants", may seem like an obvious task the truth is that we often doubt whether our plants are getting the moisture they require. It's more guess-work than scientific determination and we often over-compensate rather than decipher a common schedule.

To add to the dilemma, there is no real science that can be applied on how to water plants. While each plant has it's own distinct characteristics and watering requirements it can't be assessed in isolation. Your soil type, climactic conditions, time of the year, evaporation rates and a myriad of other variables all need to be taken into account. Therefore, every garden and every plant in every garden must be considered differently to how someone on the other side of the country might water their plants. Heck, even your neighbours garden may be different enough!

However, there are some suggestions that might help you.

How to water pot or container plants

The common thought on how to water these types of plants is that they require a little moisture each day. Experts will also go on to add that in the hottest months they may require two waterings per day: one in the morning, and one in the evening. While that may be a helpful rule it doesn't take into account, your plant type, size of pot or the amount of potting medium that is being held.

My suggestion would be to get a basin at the bottom of each container. Measure the amount of water in a watering can and then pour the whole amount over the plant (I would suggest 1-2 litres). Wait for 5-10 minutes and then drain the basin back into a measuring jug. Calculate the difference.

The next day, perform the same activity. My guess is that the amount collected from the basin on the second day will be greater than the first. Doing a few quick sums should help quantify the amount of water your plant requires each day.

For example: Day 1, you pour 1L of water over your plant and collect 400ml from the basin. Day 2, you pour another 1L onto your plant and this time collect 700ml. If on day 3 the same test results in 700ml again then you can assume that your plant only requires 300ml per day (1L-700ml). (The first day was just to get the soil as wet as it needed to be)

However, before we simplify this process too much you might want to consider performing this test at the height of every season. The winter months will require the least while the summer months will require more. But, you will be able to accurately calculate how much water each of your container plants require.

Tomorrow, we shall look at how to test your garden bed plants....