How Often to Water Plants: Expert Watering Tips

They’re the age-old questions, “How often do I water my plants?” and, “Am I overwatering my plants?” You can check 10 different sources and get 10 different answers but we’re going to give you a few good rules of thumb to live by.

First, we’re sure our horticulturist would BEG us to remind you that the correct amount of water is different for every plant. Start by reading our #ProPlantTips for care to see if the plant you’re eyeing likes moist soil, like Buttonbush, or drier conditions like Lavender.

Next, you’ll want to make sure you understand the soil you’re planting in. Soil with more Clay will hold water longer than soil with lots of sand, which dries out more quickly. Ideally, you’re looking for a planting site with a healthy mix of both.

If you’re working in less than ideal dirt, don’t worry. Check out our blog on all things well-draining soil here!

Ways to Be Water Wise

Sure, you can stand out in the garden and run the hose over various parts for hours, but that’s not exactly great for the environment, and it’s rarely good for the plants. Here are a couple of key ways you can conserve water and keep your plants happy at the same time.

Mulch, Mulch, MULCH!

This isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned it and we’re sure it won’t be the last. Adding a layer of mulch or arborist wood chips around the base of your plants is one of the best ways to conserve water and keep a plant healthy.

There are a number of reasons this is the case. You can read about the finer details here, but we’ll go ahead and recap too.

Why Mulch:

It reduces weeds that compete with your plant for nutrients
It’ll absorb water and use it to hydrate your plant longer
It protects root systems from temperature extremes
It’ll put a gorgeous finishing touch on your landscape!

Use the Finger Test

Never grapple with whether your plants need watering ever again. The soil will tell you everything you need to know!

Stick your finger into the dirt near the base of the plant, if the soil is dry, that’s when you water. If you feel moisture then your plants are doing just fine and you can put the watering can away.

The Finger Test Steps:

Stick your finger in the dirt, usually up to the second knuckle
Determine if there is soil moisture or not
Water if dry, skip if wet

For larger outdoor plants, you might be able to determine if it’s time to water or not by laying your hand flat on the soil surface. It's really that simple!

Water at the Base

Plant roots are primarily responsible for absorbing water while leaves take care of photosynthesis. Watering at the base ensures you aren’t wasting any on parts of the plant that can’t utilize it anyways.

It might be tempting to use the latest and greatest rain shower hose attachment but it’s not necessary. In fact, that may only serve to water the leaves and flowers more!

Adding moisture to leaves, branches, and flowers increases the chances of diseases sneaking in and harming your plant. We suggest watering in the morning, that way the sun will help evaporate excess water that may have landed on leaves and branches.

Utilize Nativars in Your Garden

Another great way to consciously keep your garden’s water consumption down is to use native plants.

These are plants that can be found naturally in your region. This usually means they’re adapted to thriving off of the natural amounts of water in your area. Skip the hassle of watering altogether when you pick sustainable plants!

Sometimes the worry is that nativars aren’t as pretty or ornamental. We’re not sure how this rumor was started but we want to set the record straight, nativars rock! Plus, they often bring beneficial pollinators into your garden, boosting your local ecosystem.

Learn more about creating a pollinator paradise here. Or check out some of our favorite natives:

Watering to Establish Plants

No matter the plant, watering well and watering deeply during the first growing season after planting is especially important and the key to the success.

Trees will eventually grow root systems that do a good job of finding water on their own but growing roots takes time! Until then, it’s a good idea to thoroughly soak your tree often.

During the first couple weeks, water up to once daily. After those critical weeks have passed you’ll notice your plants will become less dependent on your water frequency. Until the roots are entirely established, you should be watering your tree about once per week.

The best way to help a tree establish itself is by watering slowly. You can do this by using a tree watering bag like the Dewitt Dew Right Tree watering Donut, which will slowly release water over 5-8 hours.

Watering perennials and bushes follow largely the same rules. Water often when establishing and scale back after the first growing season.

Quick #ProPlantTips:

During first weeks: Water daily
During first growing season: Water weekly

Watering Once Established

Once a tree is established, you shouldn’t have to worry about watering much at all. Their root zone is large enough to find food and water on their own. If you’re having a particularly hot, dry summer it doesn’t hurt to run to let the water run at the base of the plant for a few minutes.

Perennials don’t have the extensive root systems that trees do and may need some extra help throughout the season.

Try to give your perennials about an inch or two of water per week. If that doesn’t come in the form of rain or an irrigation system, then consider hauling out your soaker hose to the bed and watering by hand.

Quick #ProPlantTips:

Established trees are usually fine
Water bushes and shrubs weekly if needed
Water perennials weekly

Container Watering

Container watering can be tricky if you’re new. Always make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, this helps eliminate the possibility of overwatering.

Since the only way for these plants to get water is through you (and maybe the occasional rainstorm if it’s sitting outside) it’s very important you water diligently and check the soil’s moisture often.

If you’re not sure whether your plant is ready for a drink or not, use the finger test. It’s simple and easy.

Knowing the best practices for watering helps you conserve water and keep plants happy and healthy. Feel free to reach out to our plant experts or watch our watering video for further information!

Happy Gardening!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you water flowers in pots?

The frequency of watering potted flowers depends on the plant variety, pot size, and weather conditions, but a reliable rule of thumb is to check soil moisture daily during warm months. Potted plants dry out much faster than in-ground plants because they have limited soil volume and often sit in full sun. Use the finger test by inserting your finger about two inches into the soil, and water thoroughly at the base only when the soil feels dry at that depth. During summer heat, many potted flowers will need watering every one to two days, so check your pots consistently and never let roots sit in standing water.

How often should you water plants in spring?

Watering frequency in spring depends on your soil type, plant variety, and local rainfall, so there is no single universal schedule. As temperatures rise and new growth emerges, most plants benefit from a deep watering once or twice per week, enough to moisten the soil 6 to 8 inches down where roots are actively growing. Use the finger test as your guide: insert your finger into the soil near the plant's base up to the second knuckle, and water only if the soil feels dry at that depth. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture between waterings and reduce how often you need to water overall.

How much water do shrubs need per week?

The amount of water a shrub needs each week depends on the plant variety, your soil type, and your local climate, so there is no single universal answer. A general guideline is 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, but drought-tolerant shrubs like Lavender need far less while moisture-loving shrubs like Buttonbush need more. Use the finger test to take the guesswork out of it: stick your finger 2 inches into the soil near the base of the shrub, and water only if the soil feels dry at that depth.

How often should you water newly planted shrubs like weigela?

Newly planted shrubs like weigela need consistent moisture during their first growing season to establish a strong root system, typically requiring watering every 2 to 3 days in the first few weeks, then tapering to once or twice a week depending on rainfall and soil type. Sandy soils dry out faster and may need more frequent attention, while clay-heavy soils retain moisture longer and can lead to overwatering if you're not careful. Use the finger test by inserting your finger into the soil near the base up to the second knuckle, and water only when the soil feels dry at that depth. Finish by applying a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture between waterings and reduce how often you need to water overall.

Can you water plants in direct sunlight?

Watering plants in direct sunlight is generally not recommended, as wet foliage under intense sun can lead to leaf scorch and increases the risk of fungal disease. The best time to water is early morning, ideally before 10 a.m., which allows moisture to reach the roots before heat causes evaporation and gives any wet leaves time to dry before nightfall. Always aim to water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep foliage dry and ensure water reaches the root zone where it is needed most.

Is it okay to plant new shrubs and flowers in July?

Planting in July is possible but comes with extra challenges, particularly in warmer climates and USDA zones 7 and above where summer heat stress can be hard on newly established roots. The key to success is consistent, deep watering at the base of the plant, ideally in the early morning, combined with a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and protect roots from extreme temperatures. Check the soil moisture using the finger test daily for the first few weeks, and water whenever the soil feels dry at the second knuckle to give your new plants the best chance of thriving.

How do you know if you are watering your plants enough?

The simplest way to check if your plants need water is the finger test: push your finger into the soil near the base of the plant up to the second knuckle, and if the soil feels dry, it is time to water. If you still feel moisture, your plants are fine and do not need water yet. Keep in mind that soil type matters, as clay soils retain water longer than sandy soils, so adjust how frequently you check based on your conditions. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to help retain moisture and reduce how often you need to water.

Should you water plants differently based on their sun exposure?

Yes, sun exposure significantly affects how quickly soil dries out, which means plants in full sun will generally need more frequent watering than those in shade or partial sun. A plant baking in 6 or more hours of direct sunlight can dry out its root zone much faster, especially in sandy soils or during summer heat. Use the finger test as your guide: push your finger about 2 inches into the soil near the base of the plant, and water only when it feels dry at that depth. Check sun-exposed plants more frequently during hot spells, and always water at the base of the plant early in the morning to reduce evaporation and give roots time to absorb moisture before peak heat.

How do you water potted plants versus plants in the ground?

Potted plants dry out much faster than in-ground plants because their roots are confined and containers lose moisture through their walls and drainage holes, so check them more frequently, often daily in hot weather. For both, the finger test works well: insert your finger about two knuckles deep into the soil and water only when it feels dry. In-ground plants benefit greatly from a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to slow moisture loss and reduce how often you need to water. For potted plants, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the container, ensuring the entire root zone gets moisture rather than just the surface.

What is the best way to water plants during a heat wave?

During a heat wave, water deeply at the base of your plants in the early morning so moisture can reach the root zone before temperatures peak and evaporation takes over. Use the finger test by inserting your finger about two knuckles deep into the soil near the base of the plant, and water only when the soil feels dry at that depth. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch or arborist wood chips around the base of each plant to retain moisture significantly longer between waterings. Focus your efforts on deep, infrequent watering rather than frequent shallow watering to encourage roots to grow deeper and become more drought resilient.

The Right Way To Water Your Plants