Professor Lee,
I’m new to growing and a little paranoid about watering my plants. I use a premixed soil from the shop and a mid-range HID for a light source. I haven’t wanted to overwater my plants so I’ve been quite sparing in the water department. I didn’t check on my plants for a couple of days and they got all droopy. I watered them and they perked right up, but I want to avoid almost killing them again. Instead of waiting for the plans to get dehydrated what should I look for to know when to water?
Sahara
Sahara
Most everybody who tries soil systems for the first time has problems with watering. It’s not surprising because as plants grow their water needs increase. What worked when they were two weeks old won’t be true at four weeks. Now, I want you to relax and take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay. I’m going to give you two simple ways to figure things out.
My first suggestion is the old tried and true “stick your finger in the dirt” method. If it feels dry, then you need to water. If you feel substantial moisture in the soil when you stick your finger in, then wait and water later.
If you prefer a more scientific method, then invest in a water meter from a plant nursery. They don’t cost much and take the guess work out of the whole situation. Most meters have a simple-to-read gauge on top and a metal probe on bottom. Simply stick the probe in the soil and read the gauge.
I almost bought a novelty meter that had a little bird on top. When the plants needed water the bird would chirp. I decided against it because the sound of a chirping bird coming from my back room might draw unwanted attention from uninitiated guests.
Remember, every desert has an oasis.
Professor Lee
