The Hardest Question
“How often should I water my plants? When do I give them a drink?”
The answers are so many, here’s a poem to help you think.
For seeds, keep the soil moist, you hear?
No matter what the time of year.
For sprouts, the surface can dry just a tad;
Don’t let the roots dry, that would be bad.
Once the plant branches out a little,
With its watering pace you can start to fiddle.
At least once a day when weather is hot,
For annual veggies, flowers, most plants in a pot.
Twice a day helps for tomatoes and such;
As long as there’s drainage, you won’t give too much.
In fall and in spring you might get a reprieve.
Try every day and a half if your plants look relieved.
BUT watch for days that get windy or hotter.
Check if your plants again need more water.
Winter is colder; plants dry out a bit less.
Watering a few times a week’s a good guess.
You might also get rain, a winter OR summer treat.
You get a short break from watering – sweet!
But what about raised beds or basins in the ground?
Slow, deep soaks are helpful year-round.
What about native plants, evolved for the desert?
Water less often, and use chunkier dirt.
All of these tips are for outdoor plants.
Consult a different guide, indoor plant parents.
Is there an easier answer? Yes, for some folks.
Check the soil with your finger. Give it a good poke.
Water the plant if the soil’s kinda dry.
If the soil is wet, give waiting a try.
Also listen to your plants by looking at the leaves.
Droopy USUALLY means thirsty, so water them, please.
Didn’t help? Well then, you understand
How “How often do I water” is the hardest question in the land.
Thanks for reading this gardening poem.
Want more help? You may schedule lessons at your home.
Or visit a public Nature to You event.
This advice is all inspired by past students who went.