Setting up a Watering Schedule
Adding plants to your home can bring a little bit of nature and serenity into your living space, giving you a place to rest and relax. However, caring for houseplants can be a time-consuming and tiring task. In order to have your houseplants be healthy, happy and thriving, setting up a watering schedule for them is essential. Here are some tips on how to set up a watering schedule for accentuating your home with plants.
Know Your Plants Before You Begin
Before beginning any kind of watering schedule, it is essential to identify what type of plants you will be caring for. Different types of plants have different watering requirements, so you’ll need to know what type of plants you have so that you can properly water them.
Time of Year Factor
One of the most important factors when setting up a watering schedule is the time of year. During the summer and spring, your plants will need more frequent watering because of the warmer temperatures. During the colder months, they will need less frequent watering. Be sure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly to the season in order to help your plants thrive.
Check the Soil
The best way to tell when your plants need water is to check the soil. Stick your finger in the soil and check to see if it is dry or moist. If it is dry, then it is time to water. Different plants have different depths for when to water them, so if you have a plant that is deeper, you’ll need to go a bit deeper with your finger.
Gauge How Much Water is Needed
After you have determined that it is time to water your plants, you need to make sure that you are giving them the proper amount of water. Too much water will drown the roots and too little will leave the plants parched. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply, but not too often. It is better to give your plants a deep watering once or twice a week.
Add Water During Midday
When watering your plants, be sure to add water during midday to ensure that it is reaching their roots. Watering during the midday provides the necessary moisture and humidity that they need during the hottest parts of the day. It also gives them time to soak up the sun’s rays more effectively.
Add Nutrients to the Water
In order to help your plants stay healthy, you should add nutrients to the water you are giving them. You can find nutrient boosters specifically for plants at your local garden center or home improvement store. These nutrients can help to boost the health of your plants and help them to thrive even further.
Use Appropriate Containers
The containers you are using for your plants are equally as important as the watering schedule itself. Make sure you choose containers that are appropriate for the plant and that have adequate drainage. You can also use self-watering pots or saucers to help regulate the amount of water your plants are receiving.
Make Sure Containers are Not Overcrowded
You also want to make sure that you aren’t overcrowding your containers. This can lead to root rot, poor drainage and an increase in the chances of disease and pests. Keep an eye on your containers and make sure that they aren’t becoming too crowded with plants.
Additional Tips
Some additional tips to remember when setting up a watering schedule for your plants include:
• Use lukewarm water when possible
• Water plants in the morning or evening to limit loss of moisture due to evaporation
• Utilize self-watering pots to help regulate waterings
• Place trays or saucers underneath pots to catch over watering
• Group plants with similar watering needs together
• Move containers to different locations to match the changing of seasons
The Final Word
Setting up a proper watering schedule for your houseplants is essential to ensure they are healthy and thriving. Be sure to know your plants and check the soil before beginning any kind of watering schedule so you can give them the proper attention and care that they need. With a bit of effort, you can have a beautiful array of houseplants accenting your home in no time!
