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# Watering your garden

Watering is where most beginners go wrong, usually by watering little and often. That keeps roots shallow and weak. The trick is to **water deeply but less often**, so roots grow down and plants cope far better with dry spells.

The four rules: **deeply** (soak, do not sprinkle), **less often** (let roots grow down), **in the morning** (less evaporation) and **at the roots** (keep the leaves dry).

## How much and how often

Most established plants prefer a good soak **two to three times a week** to a daily splash. Water until the soil is moist several centimetres down, then let the surface dry before the next round.

Check with a finger: if it is damp below the surface, leave it. Sandy soil and containers dry faster; clay holds water longer.

## When

Early morning is best. Plants drink before the heat arrives, and leaves dry quickly, which discourages disease. Evening is second best. Watering in the midday sun is wasted: much of it evaporates before it reaches the roots.

## Seedlings and containers

Young seedlings have tiny roots. Water gently from below or with a fine rose, and never let them dry out — but avoid sogginess, which causes damping off.

Pots and containers dry out fast, especially in wind and sun, and may need **daily** watering in summer.

## Using less water

A mulch locks moisture into the soil so you water far less often. Water at the base rather than over the leaves, group thirsty plants together, and collect rainwater in a butt. Soil improved with organic matter also holds water better.

## Over- or under-watered?

| Sign | What it means |
| ---- | ---- |
| Wilting, dry crumbly soil, crisp leaf edges | under-watered |
| Yellowing leaves, soft growth, constantly soggy soil | over-watered |

When unsure, check the soil below the surface before reaching for the can.

## Frequently asked questions

**How often should I water?** There is no fixed rule — check the soil. A deep soak two to three times a week beats a daily sprinkle for most plants.

**Should I water every day in summer?** Containers often yes; beds usually no. Water deeply and let the surface dry between.

**Is it bad to water in the evening?** It is fine; just try to keep the leaves dry to avoid overnight disease.

**Can I overwater?** Yes. Soggy soil starves roots of air and rots them. Moist, not wet, is the aim.

The full version of this guide is on [seedschoice.com](https://seedschoice.com/blogs/news/watering-your-garden).
## For a healthy garden
* [Green manures for better soil](https://seedschoice.com/collections/annual-green-manures)
* [Organic green manures](https://seedschoice.com/collections/organic-green-manures)
* [Bee-friendly flowers](https://seedschoice.com/collections/bee-friendly-flowers)
* [Vegetables you can sow this month](https://seedschoice.com/collections/vegetables-sow-now)
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