A woman in a white dress and straw hat watering purple flowers in a sunny garden.

Watering

Over-watering and under-watering are the leading causes of plant death. Here’s how to avoid both.

Helpful Hints

  • New plants should not be allowed to dry out for at least the first growing season.
  • Check the soil around the base of the plant prior to watering.
  • DO NOT water plants when soil is already soggy to the touch surrounding the plant ball.
  • During hot, dry weather it may be necessary to check soil conditions of newly planted items as often as twice a week.
  • HAND WATERING should supplement normal rainfall. 
  • Steady Rainfall of 1 inch or more should eliminate the need to water, but remember to check the soil for the final determination.
  • Irrigation systems won’t supplement watering needs of your plant, especially trees and shrubs.
  • During the years following, water to supplement rainfall through hot, dry months.

How to Water

TREES

  1. Lay the end of a hose at the base of the tree, near the trunk. 
  2. Run water at a slow trickle for 20 – 30 minutes, once a week, from time of planting until the ground freezes in the fall. This will give your roots a deep, thorough soak. 
  3. As an alternative, Treegators (slow release watering bags) can be used.
  4. For trees 7G and smaller, please follow watering instructions for shrubs.

SHRUBS

  1. Lay the end of a hose at the base of the shrub. (Applies to 2G, 3G, 5G, 6G, 7G). Similar to a tree – 
  2. Run water at a slow trickle for 10 – 15 minutes, once a week, from time of planting until the ground freezes in the fall. This will give your roots a deep, thorough soak. 
  3. NEVER water your shrubs from above – this can promote disease and pests to move in.
  4. For shrubs 10G and larger, please follow watering instructions for trees.
  5. For shrubs 1 Gallon and smaller, please follow watering instructions that match the size of your plant’s pot size.

1 GALLON or 6 inch POTS 

  1. Check daily for the first 2-3 weeks. Then check 1-2 times a week after that until frost.
  2. Water at the base of the plant for around 15-60 seconds, or long enough to give the roots a deep, thorough soak.

4 inch, 3 inch, and PACK-SIZE POTS

  1. Check daily for the first 2-3 weeks. Then check 1-2 times a week after that.
  2. Water at the base of the plant for around 15-30 seconds, or long enough to give the roots a deep, thorough soak. 

We at Bennett’s are here every day to give “Helping Hand Hints†personally, one to one. Many gardening problems are very specific, and we couldn’t possibly cover all aspects in these pamphlets. Any time you have a specific problem or need help, feel free to call. It’s our job to help you be successful in your growing endeavors, and we thoroughly enjoy giving you a “helping hand.â€

BENNETT’S
3651 McCarty Lane
Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone: (765) 447-7636
[email protected]
www.bennettsgreenhouse.com