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.