Overwatering is perhaps the most common mistake made by container gardeners. Many beginners water their plants every day, regardless of whether they check the soil to see if it's dry or not. This drowns the roots and brings them death by rot, either directly or through suffocation, causing the plants to yellow and grow little. The way to water is to stick your finger in the soil two inches deep first.
Warning Signs
- Yellow leaves despite wet soil
- Mold or algae on soil surface
- Wilting that worsens after watering
Prevention Tactics
- Always check soil moisture before watering
- Use containers with adequate drainage holes
- Select well-draining potting mixes
Watering to the best advantage, depends somewhat on the plant and the season: tomatoes want more water during the fruiting season than herbs; in hot weather evaporation takes place rapidly and you should examine the surface more frequently; in a cool time, less often; but, at all seasons, act according to the indications from your plants, and the indications of the weather itself.
Select pots carefully to avoid root problems. Unglazed clay pots are more breathable than plastic. Make sure your pots have more than one drainage hole. Set the pots on feet or stones to form air pockets that encourage excess water to drain quickly after watering.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Container Gardening Tips for Beginners
