Pro strategies for watering container plants

Everyone knows plants need water, but watering effectively can increase the life and quality of the plants, especially those in containers. Here are some tips to do just that.

When plants are small, you can usually do a good job of watering them with a watering can equipped with a sprinkle head or a hose equipped with a watering wand. These perforated watering heads reduce water pressure while breaking up the stream into a gentle flow that soaks into the soil without dislodging delicate plants.

Watering becomes more challenging as plants get bigger and the root system becomes extensive.  The lack of space will keep water from the root ball and force the water to run over the top of the soil.  A common mistake is to think the plant does not need water when this happens. There are a few ways to determine if this is the case with your plant:

• Watch how much water seeps through the drain holes
• Test the pot for weight. If you tip the pot and it seems no heavier than before you watered, it's time to take action.
• The best way to know for sure, however, is to stick your finger into the soil. If the soil feels dry up to the first knuckle on your finger, then the soil definitely needs to be well watered.

• Water with warm water, which soaks into dry soil much faster than cold.
• Poke small holes into the soil's surface with an ice pick, pencil or screwdriver.
• Water thoroughly, sprinkling in enough fresh potting soil to fill the gap just inside the rim of the pot, and water again.

Or:

• Place the pot into a large tub and fill it with warm water up to the pot rim.
• Let the soil soak up water from beneath for about a half hour, then drain.
• This is often the best way to revive plants that have dried out completely.

If the problem persists despite your efforts, you will need to repot the plant into a larger container.

Remember plants not only grow up out of the soil, they are growing and expanding underneath. Making sure water is reaching everywhere it needs is the highest priority and that means making sure it is done correctly.