While growing plants in containers is a space-saving option, it is essential to take care of their watering needs. How often do you water your container plants? How much water is necessary for them to thrive? 

Read on to find the best watering tips for container plants and prepare them to beat the summer heat! 

Pick The Right Container 

Pick the right pot for container plants

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Choose containers based on the watering needs of your plants.

For instance, succulent plants prefer containers with porous materials like terracotta to release moisture throughout the day. Similarly, flowering plants like hydrangeas, particularly plants that love water, will tolerate containers with a non-porous material such as plastic.

The container size also varies from plant to plant based on what kind of roots they have and how large they grow. This can in turn, affect the plant's watering requirements. Large containers hold more soil which can retain moisture for long hours. Small containers, on the other hand, dry out faster. 

Although one tip rings true for all plants, there must be drainage holes!

The Art of Watering

Woman hand watering lemon tree seedling in pot at home. Watering young seedling at home. Gardening and ecology concept.

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Water the soil and not the leaves of your container plants. It will prevent stress and save them from diseases. In addition, watering directly to the soil will make it easier for the roots to get the water they deserve. 

Another trick is to water the top layer slightly and then wait a few minutes. Once the topsoil absorbs that water, it becomes ready for more. Now, water the topsoil again and let it absorb the water. Do it until the water eventually flows out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the container.

The Ideal Water for Container Plants  

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Rainwater is the best for watering container plants as it is free of salts and treatment chemicals. It also contains nitrates, an essential micronutrient for plants. Tap water often includes high chlorine levels and is unsuitable for watering plants. So, it is best if you can store rainwater for your plants.

Besides that, always use lukewarm water while watering your plants.  

Check The Soil You Use 

Potting soil for container plants

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Different plants require different kinds of soils, and the type of soil you use for your container plants will affect their watering needs.

Generally, your yard's soil or soils high in clay will be heavy for your container plants and prevent water from draining. So, it is best to use a potting mix that can absorb water and maintain moisture inside the container. 

For that, you can either make your well-draining organic potting mix using 2½ gallons of coconut coir, 1¼ gallons of organic compost, and 1¼ gallons of pumice stone or buy one from your local garden center. 

Besides, adding organic matter to the soil enhances its water-retaining ability. So, be careful how much organic matter you add to your potting mix. Too much of it can result in overly wet soil, which can cause root rot. 

Start Mulching

Planting a tomato in a container with soil

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Mulch is like sunscreen for your potting mix! If you have container plants outdoors and want to protect them from the harsh sun heat, adding a little organic mulch, like shredded bark, wood chips, straws, or chopped leaves to your potting mix will be good.

Mulching retains the soil's moisture and prevents it from drying out quickly by minimizing evaporation. As a result, you will not have to water your plants again and again in summer!

Use a Sponge, Not Gravel 

Plants with gravel

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It is a common practice to add gravel at the bottom of the potting mix to provide moisture to the roots. However, adding gravel to the container makes it heavy and increases the chances of root rot as the water stays intact. 

Instead of gravel, try using a sponge, like the one you use for dishwashing. Cut the sponge into a few pieces and spread them at the bottom of the container, just like you did with gravel. Then, as you water the container plant, the sponge will absorb the water instead of clogging it inside. Moreover, it will give enough space for the roots to flourish. 

Try The Pencil Trick 

Checking moisture of container plants

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If you want to check whether it is time to water your container plant, and you do not want to put your finger in the soil, use a pencil or a wooden skewer to check the moisture. Insert the pointed end of a sharpened pencil in the soil. If your plant has enough water, the sharpened edge of the pencil will become dark and feel damp to the touch. 

Line Pots With Plastic 

Wearing orange rubber gloves, use a shovel to scoop the soil into black plastic pots lined with white plastic bags on the grass

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Another fantastic technique to prevent quick moisture loss from container plants is adding plastic liners. Before you add the potting mix to the container, line it with a plastic bag or liner. Make sure to make drainage holes in the plastic before lining.

Adding a plastic liner to your pots is preferable for all those plants that require constantly moisturized soil. Also, it is vital to consider the quality of the plastic liners you are using, as they might be made of different chemicals that can break down and cause different reactions inside the pot. If you are growing vegetables or fruits in containers, choosing food-safe plastics for the lining is best. 

Note: Plastic liners are perfect for your hanging planters! 

Plant Type Decides Watering Regime

Right watering technique

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Container gardening allows you to grow different plants together. However, different plants have different watering needs and unique watering schedules. For example, tropical plants like ferns enjoy moist soil, and pothos like if the soil dries out between waterings. Similarly, fruits and vegetables grown in containers need more water when fruiting. 

So, make sure to do your research about the watering needs of your specific container plant before you give it a drink.

Water as Plant Grows 

Pick the right pot for container plants

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It is essential to understand the watering needs of your container plants as they grow. For instance, young seedlings that have yet to develop their root systems will need more frequent watering than those with established roots. 

Temperature, Air, Humidity, and Water 

Pick the right pot for container plants

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Apart from the type of plant and its growing season, other factors that play an essential role in a plant's watering needs are temperature, air, and humidity. For example, in the case of hot, dry, and windy conditions, container plants will need more water. Therefore, as the temperatures rise in the summer, your container plants will be more thirsty. 

Time to Hydrate! 

Watering container plants is different than watering in-ground plants. You do not just need to consider the temperature and humidity requirements of your plants but also the size and type of container you are using. Give it some time, and you will understand the watering needs of specific potted varieties.

Do you have any tips on watering container plants? Share them in the comments below!