Watering Tips for Healthy Plants
How to Water
1. Remove the hose nozzle and place the hose about six inches from the base of the plant.
2. Use a slow, steady stream of water (about 1/4” wide) to soak the soil for 3 to 15 minutes, depending on plant size.
3. Consider using Gator Bags for trees—just fill every 3 days for convenient, deep watering.
4. Watering Time Guidelines:
• Shrubs: 3 minutes
• Ornamentals (e.g., Flowering Crabs): 10 minutes
• Evergreens (6’ tall): 15 minutes
• Deciduous Trees (2½” caliper): 15 minutes, plus 15 minutes for each additional inch of caliper
5. Use the Wire Test to check soil moisture before watering:
• Straighten a wire or coat hanger to 12”.
• Insert it 6–12” into the soil near the plant.
• Pull it out and check:
• If it’s dry or dusty → Water the plant
• If it’s muddy → Soil is too wet
• If it’s slightly moist with some soil sticking → Soil is just right
• If it won’t go in → Water immediately
When to Water (General Guidelines
• April 15 – May 15 → Once a week
• May 16 – September 15 → Twice a week
• September 16 – October 31 → Once a week
• Mid-November – Early December → Once, if the ground isn’t frozen
Summer Watering Tips
Hot, dry weather stresses plants—just like it does us. The key to keeping plants healthy in summer is consistent, deep moisture. Try these tips:
• Water early in the day to reduce evaporation. If that’s not possible, water in the late afternoon—but early enough for leaves to dry before dark to prevent disease.
• When using a hose, let water trickle slowly at the base. A stream the width of a pencil or smaller allows deep soaking without runoff.
• Target the soil, not the leaves. This helps avoid disease and ensures moisture reaches the root zone.
• Check containers and hanging baskets daily. They dry out faster than in-ground plants.
• Always check before watering. Over-watering symptoms can look like under-watering. Stick your finger 3” into the soil—if it’s moist, hold off. A moisture meter can help!
• Water deeply, less often instead of frequent, shallow watering.
• Mulch well to keep soil cool and reduce water loss.
• Soaker hoses work great for hedges or grouped plantings. Loop the hose around the base of each plant for even watering—not just along one side.
