When planting new plants, one of the most important things to do is making sure the plants get enough water. Young plants are not able to access water in the soil as easily until their roots begin to grow. Because of that, new plants require more water than plants already established.
Hey there, fellow gardeners! As someone who’s spent years getting their hands dirty in the garden, I know firsthand how tricky it can be to get watering just right for new perennials. At Stone Post Gardens, we’ve helped countless gardeners figure out the perfect watering schedule, so I’m excited to share our tried-and-true watering guide that’ll help your new perennials thrive!
Quick Answer
For newly planted perennials, follow this basic watering schedule:
- First month: Water every other day (daily in hot/dry weather)
- Second month: Water 2-3 times per week
- Third month: Water 1-2 times per week
- After establishment: Water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
Why Proper Watering Matters So Much
Ya know what’s crazy? I’ve seen so many gardeners lose their beautiful perennials just because of improper watering. Here’s the deal – when you first plant perennials, they’ve got tiny, shallow root systems that can’t reach deep water yet. Without the right amount of moisture near the surface, these newbies will struggle big time.
Getting the watering right helps your plants
- Develop deep, strong root systems
- Establish quickly in their new home
- Build resistance to drought
- Live longer and healthier lives
Detailed Watering Schedule
Let me break down exactly how often you should water your new perennials throughout their establishment period
First Month
- Every other day watering is a must
- In hot or dry weather, water daily
- Water early morning for best results
- Check soil moisture before watering
Second Month
- Reduce to 2-3 times per week
- Increase frequency during summer heat
- Allow soil to partially dry between waterings
- Monitor plant for signs of stress
Third Month
- Cut back to 1-2 times weekly
- Adjust based on weather conditions
- Less frequent watering in cooler weather
- Focus on deep watering sessions
How Much Water Do They Need?
Here’s a handy chart showing how much water different-sized plants need:
| Plant Size | Water Amount |
|---|---|
| Small perennials (#1-2 pot) | 1-2 gallons |
| Medium perennials (#3-5 pot) | 2-3 gallons |
| Large perennials (#7-10 pot) | 3-5 gallons |
Pro Tips for Watering Success
- Water at the Base
- Direct water to the root zone
- Avoid wetting foliage
- Use a slow, steady stream
- Timing Matters
- Water early morning
- Avoid evening watering
- Skip watering during peak sun
- Check Soil Moisture
- Stick your finger 2-4 inches deep
- Water if soil feels dry
- Don’t water if still moist
- Use Mulch
Man, mulch is like a superhero for your plants! Apply 2-3 inches around your perennials to:
- Keep moisture in
- Reduce evaporation
- Control soil temperature
- Block weed growth
Common Watering Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there – I sure made these mistakes when I first started gardening! Here’s what not to do:
- Shallow Watering
- Quick, light sprinkles aren’t enough
- Encourages weak, surface roots
- Makes plants dependent on frequent watering
- Overwatering
- Can cause root rot
- Leads to fungal problems
- Wastes water and money
- Inconsistent Watering
- Stresses plants
- Weakens root systems
- Reduces flowering
Signs Your Perennials Need Water
Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Wilting or drooping leaves
- Curled or shriveled foliage
- Dry soil 1-2 inches deep
- Slow or stopped growth
- Brown leaf edges
Special Considerations
Weather Conditions
- Increase watering during heat waves
- Reduce during rainy periods
- Account for wind exposure
- Consider humidity levels
Soil Type
Different soils need different approaches:
- Sandy soil: More frequent, lighter watering
- Clay soil: Less frequent, deeper watering
- Loamy soil: Moderate watering schedule
Long-term Success
After that first growing season, your perennials should be well-established At this point, they’ll need
- About 1 inch of water weekly
- Less frequent but deeper watering
- Extra water during drought
- Regular soil moisture checks
Wrapping It Up
Getting your watering schedule right might seem overwhelming at first, but trust me, you’ll get the hang of it! Remember, it’s better to water deeply and less often than to give your plants frequent light sprinkles. Keep an eye on your plants, check that soil moisture, and adjust as needed. Before you know it, you’ll have gorgeous, thriving perennials that’ll come back year after year!
Got questions about watering your perennials? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help ya out! Happy gardening, folks!
How Much Water Do New Plants Require?
This will depend on the type of soil you have and the speed you apply the water. A soaker hose will require much less water than just dumping water out of a bucket or watering can. We recommend watering heavily right after getting the plant in the ground, waiting 30 minutes for the water to soak into the ground, then watering heavily again. The deeper the water gets into the ground the better.
How Often Should Newly Planted Plants Be Watered
1st Week – Water every day unless there is rainfall that day.
2nd Week – Water every other day, unless there is rainfall that day or the day before.
3rd Week & Beyond – Water 2 to 3 times a week. The top 2 inches of the soil should be dry out in between watering. Continue to do this throughout the rest of the year. You can adjust how often based on the weather conditions. If it rains a lot, then watering may not be needed. If it is hot and dry, you may need to water more than 3 times a week.
When is the BEST Time to Water the Garden and Why?
FAQ
How much water does a perennial plant need?
The general guideline for watering perennials is to do so when the soil feels dry to the touch, about an inch down, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least six inches. In the first year after planting, perennials have a higher demand for water to help establish their root systems.
How often should you water perennials?
Watering perennials consistently and correctly is vital for the health of your garden. As a gardener, I understand that determining how often to water perennials can be a bit of a puzzle since the frequency depends on a variety of factors such as weather conditions, soil type, and the specific needs of each plant.
How often should you water a plant?
Watering frequency depends on several factors, including the plant species, soil type, and weather conditions. Here’s a simple rule to follow: Newly planted plants: Water daily for the first few weeks to help establish roots. Established plants: Water deeply but less frequently. This encourages deep root growth, making plants more drought-tolerant.
Do perennials need a lot of water?
Remember these tips to make sure you give your perennials the water they need to grow well and look great: Perennials are plants that come back year after year providing color and interest to your garden. Getting your newly planted perennials established with proper watering is key to helping them thrive for years to come.
How do you water a new perennial plant?
Follow these guidelines when watering new perennials: Follow these tips to water new perennials correctly: Water at the base: Water directly at the plant’s base to ensure water reaches the roots. Water slowly: Use a slow stream or trickle. Avoid blasting water quickly onto plants. Soak the soil: Water until the soil is soaked 6-12 inches deep.
How much water do you need for a new plant?
Dig around the root zone with your fingers to a depth of 2-3″ for small plants and 6-8″ for larger ones and trees; water generously if the soil feels dry. Another tip to help you properly water new plants is deeper watering. Getting water deeper into the soil is better for your plants’ roots than a shallow, ground surface watering.