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Shall I water?

The past couple of weeks have been rather warm and dry, with the next week or so looking the same. I’ve recently added a few plants (hardy geraniums, Digitalis, Alliums) and moved a couple of things - will there be enough moisture in the soil with no need for watering or should I give things a drink?

 Thanks.

Posts

  • zugeniezugenie Posts: 831
    I would water, in my experience for the first year it doesn’t matter how moist the soil around is because most of the roots are in the little rootball from the pot, once that dries out the plant can suffer. After a year they should be more established and better at coping

    Worth considering how much direct sun the plants get, as those sound more like shady plants so may not be as affected?
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Water in new plants when you plant them, always, even if it's raining. It helps to settle the soil around the roots as well as giving them a drink. After that, it's a judgement call depending on the conditions. I tend to water new things when the soil feels dry below the surface (stick a finger in to check), until they definitely look like they're growing away, but my soil is the opposite of water-retentive.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Thanks. I do water in well and all my beds are mulched so hopefully that helps retain some moisture.
  • @Wildlifelover I've just been out and watered the front, and it was all bone dry!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I only water when planting, but it's easier here. In winter if I plant anything I don't even bother most of the time. The ground is wet enough. 
    You have to judge it by your own conditions. The plants will soon show it if they're short of water   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Is the wooden skewer a reliable indicator for moisture? At present, when I pull one out, they are certainly damper than when they went in.
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