In summer, most small home gardens need watering once a day, and in very hot, dry climates, sometimes twice – early morning and late evening. But it’s not just about frequency; it’s about checking the soil. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. If it’s still slightly moist, you can wait a bit.
Container plants dry out faster than those in the ground. Dark pots, metal containers and small pots especially lose moisture quickly. Plants with larger leaves also tend to need more water. On the other hand, overwatering is just as harmful as underwatering; constantly soggy soil leads to root rot.
A good habit is to water deeply but less often, rather than sprinkling lightly many times. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downwards and cope better with heat. Observe your plants for a few days – drooping leaves by afternoon that recover in the evening often mean they’re stressed. Adjust based on what you actually see, not just an exact schedule someone else uses.
