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.
When you first plant new plants in your garden or containers, providing proper watering is crucial to help them establish strong root systems. Learning how much and how often to water new plants will give them the best start to thrive. Follow this complete guide to understand the watering needs of new plants.
Why New Plants Need Frequent Watering
Newly planted plants have a limited root system in the early stages, so they are unable to absorb enough moisture from the surrounding soil Their small, young roots can only reach water close to the soil’s surface Frequent waterings are needed to keep the root zone moist while the roots grow deeper and wider.
As plants mature, their roots will grow longer and spread through the soil to find moisture. Once established, plants won’t need as much frequent watering But until the roots are well-developed, new plants rely on you for their moisture needs
How Often to Water New Plants
When watering new plants, focus on keeping the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Here are some general guidelines on watering frequency
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First week – Water daily, unless rain falls.
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Second week – Water every other day, unless rain falls.
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Third week & beyond – Water 2-3 times per week. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.
Specific watering schedules will vary depending on factors like the plant type, soil type, weather conditions, and time of year. But in general, more frequent watering is needed in the beginning weeks, then you can begin to taper off. Always check soil moisture before watering again.
Watering Tips for New Plants
Follow these tips to ensure proper watering for new plants:
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Water deeply – Wet the soil at least 6 inches deep per watering to encourage deep root growth.
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Water at soil level – Avoid wetting foliage, and direct water right to the base of plants. Use a watering wand, soaker hose, or drip irrigation.
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Water early – Water first thing in the morning to reduce evaporation loss. Avoid watering at night.
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Check drainage – Ensure water drains well and doesn’t pool. Amend soil if drainage is poor.
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Use mulch – Mulch around new plants helps retain moisture while protecting from weather extremes.
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Adjust for weather – Hot, dry, or windy weather may require more frequent watering. Increase as needed.
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Check soil moisture – Before watering again, check soil moisture depth using your finger or a moisture meter probe.
Signs New Plants Need Water
It’s easy to tell when new plants need a drink by watching for these signs of thirst:
- Wilting, drooping leaves
- Leaves appearing limp, lacking rigidity
- Leaves curling or rolling inward
- Leaf margins turning brown and crisp
- Leaf yellowing beginning on margins and tips
- Soil dry when checked 1-2 inches deep
When plants show these symptoms, it’s time to thoroughly water again. Wilting from underwatering looks similar to wilting from overwatering, but an underwatered plant will perk up after watering. An overwatered plant stays wilted.
Watering Tips for Specific New Plants
While most new plants need frequent watering at first, some types have specific watering needs:
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Succulents – Allow soil to dry between waterings. Water every 2-3 days the first weeks.
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Trees & shrubs – Water new trees every other day for a few weeks, then 2-3 times per week.
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Seedlings – Use a gentle spray to avoid washing away tiny seeds. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
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Potted plants – May need daily watering as containers dry out fast. Check soil daily.
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Drought tolerant plants – Let soil dry before soaking thoroughly. Don’t keep soil consistently wet.
Transitioning Established Plants to Less Frequent Watering
Once plants grow an extensive root system, they won’t need frequent watering. Here’s how to transition to a sparser watering schedule:
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First month – Water 1-2 times per week if rain is lacking.
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Second month – Water every 5-7 days if rain is lacking.
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After establishment – Water when soil dries out, or plants show need.
The first season, water established plants weekly if rain is insufficient. By the second season, most plants only need water during extended dry spells. Always monitor soil moisture and plant health when easing off watering.
Signs of Overwatering New Plants
It’s important not to overdo watering new plants. Watch for these signs of overwatering:
- Wilting leaves that don’t recover after watering
- Lower leaves turning yellow or brown
- Mushy, water-logged soil
- White fungal coating on soil surface or plants
- Rotting roots or stems
- Young plants dying or failing to establish
To remedy overwatering, allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Add organic material like compost to improve drainage for chronically wet soils.
Key Takeaways on Watering New Plants
Follow these key tips to ensure new plants get the frequent, deep watering they need to develop healthy root systems:
- Water new plants daily or every other day for the first couple of weeks.
- Allow the soil to dry between waterings after plants are established.
- Always water new plants at soil level to encourage deep roots.
- Check soil moisture before watering again.
- Adjust watering frequency based on weather and plant type.
- Ease off watering as plants mature and roots expand.
Proper watering when first planting is crucial, but don’t overdo it. Consistent deep watering without saturating promotes the best root establishment in new plants.
How To Tell If The Plant Needs Water?
The best way to tell if the plant needs water is by studying the leaves. If the leaves are drying up, curling, wilting or turning brown, that is a good sign the plant is not getting enough water. This rule applies to newly planted plants as well as plants that are already established.
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 to Water Plants
FAQ
How often do you water newly planted?
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.
Can you water new plants too much?
Overwatering, in simple terms, drowns your plant. Healthy soil allows for oxygen to exist in the space between particles of soil. If there is too much water or the soil is constantly wet, there is not enough air pockets. This results in a limited oxygen supply and plants are not able to breathe.
What are the three rules of watering?
The three rules of watering are: Water deeply and less frequently, Water in the morning, and Keep the foliage dry. Deep watering encourages strong root growth, while morning watering allows leaves to dry before evening, reducing disease risk.
How much water should you give a new plant?
… water daily for the first 2 weeks after planting unless you get rainy weather, but after a month or so, decrease the frequency that you water plants to …Apr 25, 2022