I recently learned that it's better to water my vegetables in pots from the bottom. However, I'm confused because while the bottoms of the pots are still damp, the tops are dry. It's been three days since I last watered them. Should I wait longer for the soil to dry out? I'm planning to carefully water the tops in the meantime until I get some solid advice. I've been avoiding the leaves while watering, too.
3 Answers
Think of bottom watering as just one option in your toolkit. It's great when your plant roots are strong enough not to drown them, like mid- to late-season. For younger plants, stick to top watering for a bit. Spray or pour small amounts frequently until you see the moisture penetrate the soil. If needed, you can soak from the bottom later once the plants are established. Don’t feel pressure to only bottom water; it can actually lead to issues for young plants if the soil stays soggy.
Honestly, as long as your pots have good drainage and the soil drains well, top-watering works just fine! Just make sure to water whenever the topsoil feels dry up to your first knuckle. You don’t have to stress too much about bottom watering now; it’s all about keeping that moisture balanced.
Yep, exactly! Just adjust your watering based on how the soil feels.
Bottom watering is often suggested because certain plants, like tomatoes, dislike wet leaves which can lead to disease. I’ve been gardening for years, mainly using soil-level watering for my containers. If I'm short on time, I set up sprinklers. Luckily, I've never faced problems from that approach. Just remember, what's good often depends on your climate as well.
Thanks for sharing! I’m particularly worried about my lettuce sprouts since they’re so crowded right now.
Absolutely! Different climates can change what works best. Safe watering practices help keep them healthy!
This makes total sense! I often check the topsoil too before watering. Thanks for the tip!