How often should I water new flowers?

Proper watering of new flowers will determine their survival and flowering ability. I learned this the hard way after the petunias I planted succumbed to root rot due to overwatering. I found that deep soaking 2-3 times a week was preferable to sprinkling daily, as it encourages roots to grow downward. Always check soil moisture at the root level before you water.

Perfect the finger test for precision. Insert your pointer finger to the second knuckle. Cool and moist means wait. Dry and warm means water now. My moisture meter agrees with finger tests to within 5%. Sandy soils typically require watering when the top inch of soil is dry.

Change Size, Consumption, & Water Transmission throughout heat episodes. Excessive heat (> 85°F) can promote excessive evaporation. Drink water before dawn to avoid the heat of midday. To maximize efficiency, we must consider drip irrigation. I cover my seedlings with a cloth during extreme sun. Container plants can be checked daily, as pots tend to dry out more quickly.

Avoid root rot through good drainage. Make sure the planting holes drain in 2 hours or less. Use raised beds in clay conditions. When I added perlite to a clay-based heavy soil, my garden thrived. Watch for yellow leaves or mold, which indicate the roots are overwatered. Dry the soil out after watering.

Seasonal variations require flexibility. Spring plantings will have lower water needs than summer installations. As plants become established, reduce the frequency over 6 weeks. Fall plantings may not require any watering once temperatures cool. Record rainfall from a rain gauge and adjust.

Read the full article: When to Plant Flowers: Month-by-Month Guide