You should water potted ginger when the top inch of soil feels dry to your finger tip. In summer this means watering every 2 to 3 days for most pots in warm spots. Winter plants need water only about once a week since growth slows way down.
I worked out my ginger watering schedule through a full year of careful watching and note taking. Summer pots outside dry out fast in hot sun and need water almost daily some weeks. Indoor pots in my cool basement only need water every five to seven days year round.
The container you use changes how often watering ginger plants becomes a task. Terracotta pots breathe through the clay walls and dry out faster than plastic ones do. Fabric bags dry out fastest of all and may need daily water in peak summer heat.
University of Delaware says to keep soil moisture between 60% and 80% of its water holding limit. This means damp but not soaking wet when you stick a finger in the soil. Ginger roots like steady moisture but hate sitting in puddles of standing water all day.
Overwatering kills ginger faster than dry soil ever will in my own tests over many seasons. Soggy roots rot and turn to mush before you even notice a problem up top on the leaves. Dry ginger just goes dormant and springs back once you water it again.
Virginia Tech says to cut back on water as weather cools down in fall each year. Less light and lower temps mean slower growth and less water use by the plant. I drop from every three days to once a week as temps fall below 65°F (18°C).
The finger test works well for most home growers checking their plants each day. Push your finger one inch into the soil near the pot edge and feel the moisture level. Dry soil means time to water while damp soil says wait another day or two.
A cheap moisture meter takes the guessing out of watering if you want more exact readings. Stick the probe into the soil and check the dial for the moisture level shown there. Water when the meter shows dry or barely moist on the scale.
Watch your plants for signs of wrong ginger moisture requirements being met over time. Yellow lower leaves often mean too much water building up in the pot. Brown crispy leaf tips usually signal too little water or low humidity around the plant. Adjust your schedule when you see these warning signs appear.
Read the full article: How to Grow Ginger in Pots Successfully
