Exact watering schedules for 60+ plants, in plain English. Type a plant to start.
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New plant-by-plant watering schedules, written to be read in two minutes.
How Often To Water A Plum Tree?
Water a young plum tree once a week and a mature one every 2 to 3 weeks in dry weather. Learn when extra water matters most for sweet, juicy plums.
Once a weekHouseplantsHow Often To Water A ZZ Plant?
Water a ZZ plant every 2 to 3 weeks, once the soil is dry all the way through. Learn why its thick roots store water and how to save an overwatered one.
Every 2 to 3 weeksVegetablesHow Often To Water Tomatoes In Hot Weather?
In hot weather, water tomatoes deeply every 1 to 2 days, and daily in pots. Learn how to keep fruit from cracking and flowers from dropping in the heat.
Every 1 to 2 daysPlanting GuidesHow Long To Run A Soaker Hose?
Most soaker hoses need about 30 to 60 minutes to soak garden soil 6 inches deep, 2 to 3 times a week in summer. Learn how to test your own hose and soil.
4 min readFlowersCan You Keep Orchids In Water?
You can soak orchids in water for 10 to 15 minutes to water them, and some can even grow in water culture. Learn both methods and how to avoid root rot.
3 min readPlanting GuidesHow To Grow Plants In Water?
Many houseplants grow happily in a jar of plain water, including pothos, philodendron and spider plants. Learn which plants work and how to keep them healthy.
4 min readLawn & GrassShould You Water Grass After Mowing?
You can water grass after mowing, and it helps in hot, dry weather, but early morning is still the best time. Learn how to time mowing and watering together.
3 min readPlanting GuidesShould You Water Plants Before A Freeze?
Yes, water plants a day or two before a freeze. Moist soil holds heat and protects roots far better than dry soil. Learn the right timing and what to avoid.
3 min readTrees & ShrubsHow To Water Trees?
Water trees slowly and deeply at the drip line, about 10 gallons per inch of trunk, so the soil is moist 12 inches down. Learn the methods that work.
3 min readNot sure if it needs water? Test first.
Every schedule on this site starts with one habit: check the soil before you pour.
The finger test
Push a finger two knuckles into the soil. Dry at that depth means water. Cool and damp means wait.
The lift test
Pick up the pot right after watering so you learn its wet weight. A pot that feels light is a pot that is thirsty.
The meter test
A cheap soil moisture meter reads the root zone, where your finger can't reach. Great for big pots and beginners.
Watering at a glance
The most searched plants and how often they usually need a drink.
Tools that make watering easy
Best Soil Moisture Meters For Plants
The best soil moisture meters for knowing exactly when to water, from simple battery-free probes to leave-in sensors. Our top picks and how to use them.
Buying guideBest PicksBest Watering Cans For Indoor Plants
The best watering cans for houseplants, from a small long-spout can for shelves to a bigger can for floor plants. Simple picks with pros and cons.
Buying guideWatering questions, answered
How do I know when my plant needs water?
Push a finger about two knuckles deep into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, water. If it still feels cool and damp, wait a day or two and check again. For pots, lifting them works too: a dry pot feels noticeably lighter.
Is it better to water plants in the morning or evening?
Morning is best for almost every plant. Leaves dry quickly in the daytime sun, which lowers the risk of fungal disease, and roots have water ready for the heat of the afternoon. Evening is the next best choice if mornings are impossible.
Should I water my plants on a fixed schedule?
Use a schedule as a reminder to check, not as an order to water. Heat, light, pot size and season all change how fast soil dries, so a plant that needs water every 7 days in July might need it every 14 days in January.
Is overwatering worse than underwatering?
For most plants, yes. A thirsty plant usually bounces back within hours of a good drink. Roots that sit in soggy soil run out of oxygen and start to rot, and that damage is much harder to undo.
Can I use tap water for my plants?
Tap water is fine for most plants. Leaving it out overnight lets it reach room temperature, which is gentler on roots. A few sensitive plants, like calatheas and carnivorous plants, do better with rainwater or filtered water.