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How much water

WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
in Problem solving
Evening,

When watering plants, I’ve been told a good, deep soak every few days is best. How much should I give each plant though? A whole (5ltr) watering can, more or less?

 Thanks!
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Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Depends on the size of the plant

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    What sort and size of plants?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    and the size of the pot, the potting medium, is it in sun or shade, how warm has it been today ?. 
    Devon.
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    edited July 2021
    Mostly perennials; Salvia caradonna types, Aster amellus, Cirsium rivulare 'atropurpureum', Astrantia major, Geum's, Caryopteris, Verbena bonarensis (which has the newest growth a little soft/floppy), Nepeta, hardy geraniums, a herb bed (thyme, sage, Chives, Oregano), Hylotelephium, Scabious, Erigeron, Aquilegia. No large shrubs/trees or potted plants.



  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    what's your soil like? Sandy/ free draining, or heavy / water retaining? 
    Once plants are established in " good " soil, they don't always need extra watering 

    Devon.
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    It's pretty free draining, certainly not heavy. I only started the garden last year so everything is still relatively un-established I guess. 

    All beds are mulched with well rotted manure. It's been very dry up here and with one patch of my Verbena bonarensis having the upper most growth rather soft compared to a more established couple of plants (the softer plants receive more sun), I thought things may need a soak. 
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    generally speaking, if the plants are firm, and not droopy, they're probably fine. They'll soon let you know ( by wilting ) when you need to give them water. 
    It's part of the learning process to get to know your garden / soil / micorclimate. 
    Observation is key. 
    Devon.
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Ok, thanks. I also read though that wilting can be a sign of too much water!? With the Verbena, should I give that patch a water - if so, how much is a good soak?
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    It's impossible to say for sure , but you're unlikely to overwater during dry weather
    Devon.
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Ok, thanks. I’ve spent so much time and money on the garden, I just want to do everything right!
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