No matter how hot it gets outside, it’s still possible to overwater your plants. Watering may be done with good intentions, but giving plants a little water here and a deep watering there can actually harm your plants. Those droopy leaves may not be a call for water, but there are other signs you’re overdoing it with the watering can. Before you water your plants this summer, here’s how to tell if they really need it and the best way to water when the temperatures climb.
How To Tell If Plants Are Overwatered
Temperature, humidity, sun exposure, and rainfall can all affect how quickly a plant’s soil dries out. To determine whether your plant is getting too much moisture, look for signs like yellowing leaves, soggy soil, and dark roots.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing, limp leaves indicate overwatering. Leaves become soft and yellow when there’s too much water and not enough air in the soil for the roots to absorb nutrients, which makes them turn yellow. If leaves are dry and crisp, they aren’t getting enough water, but rotting brown tips are a sign of too much moisture.
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During extreme heat, plants will also wilt as a defense mechanism, so wilted leaves aren’t always a call for moisture. Don’t automatically bring out the garden hose when you see drooping foliage. Leaves may look wilted or droopy during excessive heat due to temporary heat stress, particularly midday. Plants droop to reduce the surface area that’s exposed to intense sunlight. This helps the plant retain water and survive the hottest parts of summertime. If they perk up in the evenings when the sun isn’t so hot, the wilting is just a protective response to heat. Always check the soil’s moisture before watering wilted plants.
Soggy Soil
Don’t water plants on a strict schedule. That’s an easy way to overdo it and end up with soggy soil. The best way to determine whether plants need watering is to test the soil. It can look dry but actually still be moist further into the ground. Before watering plants, poke a finger, a wood chopstick, or a wooden skewer a few inches into the soil to check for moisture. For most plants, you’ll only need to water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. If it feels damp, hold off a little longer on watering.
Plants grown in pots need watering more frequently than those planted in the ground, but you’ll still need to check the soil before watering. If the pot is light when you lift it and the soil doesn’t feel damp, it’s probably time to water. Making sure pots have enough drainage holes will keep the soil from getting soggy.
Mushy Roots
If you suspect a plant has gotten too much water, slide it out of its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white. If the roots are soft, mushy, smelly, or dark, they are rotting from too much water. Trim any dead or soft roots with clean scissors and repot the plant in fresh soil.
When To Water In The Heat
Early morning is the best time to water plants because the moisture has time to reach the roots before the hottest part of the day sets in. If you water later in the day, the moisture evaporates quickly before it can ever reach the roots. Any wet leaves also have time to dry before nightfall, reducing the chance of fungal diseases.
How To Water Plants In The Heat
Watering needs to be monitored during the summer, but your plant doesn’t necessarily need excessive amounts of moisture. Deep watering is crucial to keeping plants healthy during hot spells. Watering too often can cause a plant to be overwatered. Aim for deep waterings so the roots can access moisture even when it’s hot.
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To water, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for slow, deep watering at the base of the plant that will reach the roots, not just the surface. Water two to three times a week rather than a quick spray each day. Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around plants to keep moisture in longer and keep the soil cool.
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