When planting new plants, one of the most important things to do is making sure the plants get enough water. Young plants are not able to access water in the soil as easily until their roots begin to grow. Because of that, new plants require more water than plants already established.
How Often Should Newly Planted Plants Be Watered
1st Week - Water every day unless there is rainfall that day.
2nd Week - Water every other day, unless there is rainfall that day or the day before.
3rd Week & Beyond - Water 2 to 3 times a week. The top 2 inches of the soil should be dry out in between watering. Continue to do this throughout the rest of the year. You can adjust how often based on the weather conditions. If it rains a lot, then watering may not be needed. If it is hot and dry, you may need to water more than 3 times a week.
How Much Water Do New Plants Require?
This will depend on the type of soil you have and the speed you apply the water. A soaker hose will require much less water than just dumping water out of a bucket or watering can. We recommend watering heavily right after getting the plant in the ground, waiting 30 minutes for the water to soak into the ground, then watering heavily again. The deeper the water gets into the ground the better.
How To Tell If The Plant Needs Water?
The best way to tell if the plant needs water is by studying the leaves. If the leaves are drying up, curling, wilting or turning brown, that is a good sign the plant is not getting enough water. This rule applies to newly planted plants as well as plants that are already established.
Can You Water Too Much?
It is possible to water too much. Especially in locations that do not drain well, or in soil that doesn’t drain properly. Don’t worry about overwatering newly planted plants, as long as the soil drains properly. Most plants require the soil to drain regardless if it is new or established. Some common signs of overwatering are leaves turning yellow or brown and lesions that turned dark colors. Root rot is caused when the soil remains wet for too long of a period and does not dry out. The best way to prevent overwatering is checking the top 2 inches of soil to make sure it is dry before watering again.
Tips For Watering New Plants
- Apply mulch to help retain moisture and protect against harsh weather.
- Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between watering.
- The first few weeks will require water every 2-3 days.
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FAQs
1st Week - Water every day unless there is rainfall that day. 2nd Week - Water every other day, unless there is rainfall that day or the day before. 3rd Week & Beyond - Water 2 to 3 times a week. The top 2 inches of the soil should be dry out in between watering.
How can you tell if a newly planted tree has enough water? ›
For a new tree, sample dirt at the base of the tree and for an established tree, test the root zone. Get a pinch of dirt (be sure that it is dirt and not mulch) and roll it around between your fingers. If it sticks together, there is enough moisture. If it is dry and crumbly, it is time to water.
How to water newly planted perennials? ›
Watering: Not Too Much, Not Too Little
It's generally best to water deeply, and less frequently, rather than watering lightly and often; this helps perennials establish deep and resilient roots. As your plants grow, you'll get to know their characteristics.
Am I watering my plants enough? ›
The best way to tell if your plants need water is to stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix—if it feels dry, break out the watering can. If you detect dampness, check back again in a day or two. For smaller houseplants, you can also pick up the whole container. If it feels light for its size, add water.
Should I water my plants at night or day? ›
Morning watering is actually preferable to evening watering as the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down. At night, water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots, and on the foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth, and insects.
How much water do plants need when first planted? ›
You should water daily for the first 2 weeks after planting unless you get rainy weather, but after a month or so, decrease the frequency that you water plants to around 2-3 times a week. In the following months, water less often.
How to tell if overwatering or underwatering? ›
Feel the Soil: The simplest way to gauge your plant's watering needs is by feeling the soil. Turns out that old trick of sticking your finger into the soil up to the knuckle has merit! If it's soggy or has standing water, you're overwatering. If it's dry an inch below the surface, it's time to water.
How do you know if you over watered a plant? ›
Symptoms of overwatering indoor plants
The primary symptom of excess moisture is wilting or yellowing of lower and inner leaves. If excess water continues, plants may show other drought symptoms, such as scorch, leaf drop, and/ or plant death. Plants should be watered when needed.
Do you water immediately after planting? ›
When planting: Water plants as soon as you get them in the ground. Allow the water to soak in, then water again until the soil is thoroughly moistened. Week one: Water plants daily or every other day. Recently planted roots will absorb moisture from a small area until they begin to grow.
Should I water new plants if it rains? ›
So, don't be fooled by rain! If you think it's rained and you don't need to water a container, you're probably wrong. Remember you do not want sprinkle the leaves, instead you want to water at the root of the plant. House plants and interior plants need water even when it's raining.
Plants' root systems mirror their foliage. If you only water one side, the roots and leaves will grow towards the water that's available on that side. To keep your plant full and lush, water evenly all the way around the pot. Water thoroughly until water flows out the bottom of the pot into the saucer.
How do I know how much water my plant is enough? ›
Stick your finger into the soil around your plant up to the first knuckle. If the dirt feels cool, damp, or moist, it has enough water. If it feels dry, it may need more water. Use drip irrigation for plants with shallow roots.
How do you know if you're watering enough? ›
Simply stick your finger in the soil and if the first inch is dry, water. If it looks dry on top but is actually wet below the surface, don't. “There are many different types of water meters out there, but nothing is better than getting to know your plant by your own touch,” Cramm says.
Is it better to overwater or underwater? ›
Usually underwatering a plant is less damaging than overwatering, which can cause additional problems like root rot and other diseases. But of course, if a plant is too dry it can shrivel up before you even realize it.
Can you water new plants too much? ›
Overwatering, in simple terms, drowns your plant. Healthy soil allows for oxygen to exist in the space between particles of soil. If there is too much water or the soil is constantly wet, there is not enough air pockets. This results in a limited oxygen supply and plants are not able to breathe.
How do you know if you are overwatering your plants? ›
1. If a plant is overwatered, it will likely develop yellow or brown limp, droopy leaves as opposed to dry, crispy leaves (which are a sign of too little water). Wilting leaves combined with wet soil usually mean that root rot has set in and the roots can no longer absorb water.
How long does it take for a plant to recover from transplant shock? ›
The last step in a successful transplant process is patience! Some trees take two or more years to get rid of all their stress symptoms. Occasionally, it can even take up to 5 years for trees to fully recover. In most cases, it takes a year or so for trees to shake off transplant shock.
How long does it take for new plants to establish? ›
Typically, the root system of a shrub will be well established after one year. A tree will be well established after three years. New plantings need to be watered more frequently than established plants.
