How Often Should You Water Outdoor Plants – Complete Guide to Watering Outdoor Plants

Watering your plants is vital for their survival and overall health. But too much or too little water will affect your plants. While it can be challenging to determine how often you should water your outdoor plants, it isn’t as difficult as it seems.

Determining the times to water outdoor plants is a challenge every gardener faces. So, you are not alone. Remember, you have to strike a balance between hydration and overwatering your plants.

In this blog, we will look at factors that determine how often you should water outdoor plants. Let’s check them out!

Factors That Determine How Often You Should Water Outdoor Plants

Your Local Climate

If your area is hot and dry, it means there is a high evaporation rate; thus, your outdoor plants will need frequent watering. On the other hand, if your area receives frequent rainfall, you need to water your plants less frequently.

Type of the Plant

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If you want to know how often you should water your outdoor plants, understand the type of plant you are dealing with. All outdoor plants have different water requirements.

For instance, succulents can store water and thus don’t need frequent watering, unlike tropical plants like ferns, which require consistent watering due to their high water requirements.

Your Soil Type

The soil in your garden will influence your watering frequency. Different soils have different capacities for water retention.

Well-draining soils, like sandy, drain water quickly; plants in such soils may need frequent watering compared to plants in clay soils, which can retain water.

Season

Most outdoor plants often need frequent watering during their active growth during spring and summer. However, during the fall and winter, they are in their dormant season and, thus, don’t need frequent watering.

Age of the Plant

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Young plants require daily watering to help them establish their root system faster while you avoid overwatering them.

Mature plants can go for some days without water because they have well-established roots, but this does not mean you dehydrate them. You are only to skip watering young plants only when it rains.

Transplants and New Plants

Transplants and new plants need watering immediately after planting and frequent watering until they establish their root systems. After they mature, depending on the type of plants, you can adjust their watering schedules.

Container plants and Hanging Planters

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Plants in pots or containers tend to dry faster than those on the ground because they are exposed to the sun for a long time, and maybe the container material heats up, causing the water to evaporate.

To know if your plant in a pot or container needs water, poke your finger inside the soil at least an inch down; if the soil is dry, water your plant and vice versa. Water your pot or container plants daily during summer and hot climates.

Additionally, hanging planters dry out faster compared to container and potted plants. This is because they are exposed to direct sunlight and wind. Consider watering them twice a day.

The Bottomline

To grow a thriving outdoor garden, you must balance underwatering and overwatering your plants. So, to answer the questions of how often should you water outdoor plants, the type of your plant, season, and local climate are some factors determining watering frequency.

Remember, you are not just watering them but giving them an essential substance to flourish outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Time of Day to Water Outdoor Plants?

The best time to water outdoor plants is early morning because the low temperatures allow the plants to absorb more water because there is less evaporation.

Additionally, watering your plants in the morning gives them time to dry, thus preventing fungal diseases that arise in damp conditions.

What is the Best Water for Plants?

The best water for plants is rainwater because it is high in oxygen and free from chemicals like chlorine.

How Do You Know When to Water Plants?

The best way to know that your plants need water is by inserting your finger inside the soil at least an inch deep. If the soil is dry, water your plant; if it is still wet, don’t water it to avoid overwatering.

Author Profile

Mary

🌿 Hello! I'm Mary, the nature-loving soul behind Serene Eden. Gardener, plant whisperer, compost connoisseur, sun-soaked plant enthusiast, and avid bee-watcher. Let's cultivate beauty, one bloom at a time. 🌱🌼