2 questions about watering.

I have 2 questions about watering my plants. So I have them in 5 gallon pots.
1.) Based on the pictures I added, should I feed/water the pot until runoff? I am getting mixed answers across the board when searching.
2.) With a moisture meter, what should the meter read when it is time to water again? Also, should it be 2" deep for the test? I know everyone likes to do the lift the pot method, but I don't have any interest in doing it that way. I can't find a single answer on how the meter should read (1-10) on when it should be time to water again based on the moisture meter.

Thanks guys! (Note: the only pic I have on hand is from a sick plant I have. But they are about the same height as the sick plant. I'll add the rest of the pics when my wife emails em to me.)

pictures would help

mikaroni said:

I have 2 questions about watering my plants. So I have them in 5 gallon pots.
1.) Based on the pictures I added, should I feed/water the pot until runoff? I am getting mixed answers across the board when searching.
2.) With a moisture meter, what should the meter read when it is time to water again? Also, should it be 2" deep for the test? I know everyone likes to do the lift the pot method, but I don't have any interest in doing it that way. I can't find a single answer on how the meter should read (1-10) on when it should be time to water again based on the moisture meter.

Thanks guys! (Note: the only pic I have on hand is from a sick plant I have. But they are about the same height as the sick plant)

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You better learn the lift pot when to water and throw that piece of garbage water meter away if you want to learn how to grow healthy plants. The 2 inch deep method is also a complete waste of newbie time. Good to see you reading. Now do you overwater like most every newbie to come thru the place or not?

Relaxed said:

You better learn the lift pot when to water and throw that piece of garbage water meter away if you want to learn how to grow healthy plants. The 2 inch deep method is also a complete waste of newbie time. Good to see you reading. Now do you overwater like most every newbie to come thru the place or not?

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Well, I'm trying not to over water hehe. What about how to water it. Should I make it have runoff based on the size, or water halfway?

mikaroni said:

Well, I'm trying not to over water hehe. What about how to water it. Should I make it have runoff based on the size, or water halfway?

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saucers. I use extra tall saucers you can get at hd or lowes or online. Those are about 3 inches tall deep sides. Water till about 1 inch water in the bottom of the saucer. leave it for maybe 10 minutes to soak up water. Then you must drain the saucer by hand or tool. I use a 15 buck Battery Operated Liquid Transfer Pump Handheld and I am done watering in no time. cheap and i have an extra one on hand at all times. One lasted one grow and another works for 3 all depending the dirt it takes in and mucks it up. Cheap just rotate plants in an emply saucer to drain w one extra saucer. The thing you learn to dial it in is amazing...keep reading. I was a not plant guy before this place. plus 10 yrs now. Now house plants look amazing cause my hobby...

Why do you drain the saucer afterward if I may ask? Is it bad to let it soak back up through the bottom?

mikaroni said:

Why do you drain the saucer afterward if I may ask? Is it bad to let it soak back up through the bottom?

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causes overwater and root rot as well as knats. IF you play the, just enough water to wee bit thru to saucer game you don't water the entire plant. honestly I let it stay and soak the water up to 30 minutes and yes roots do grow thru to the saucer. Its all good.

The triple meter probes are not super accurate (who knows what 1 or 10 really means) but still useful as a scale, dry is dry and wet is wet. Measure the moisture deep, where the roots are and use it as a scale, wait til the meter reads low before watering.

OK, here is a better picture to show their size. So, it sounds like I should fully water until runoff based on what you guys are saying?

the risers help too if u out in saucer on the bottom. idk from my understanding u wanted it elevated to drain out sp u dont built up salt unless u doing ro which get rid of everything. lifting the pot is best way, top maybe dry but bottom has moisture, helps woth growing roots better if they dry out and search for water. everyone has a way works for them practice and find your way, dont get into the details. dont get me wrong reading and talking with fellow growers is great, but find what works for u and your plants.on my 3rd grow and im trying something totally new, i added the pot risers, watching my oh more, making sure i get runn off and new training method(doing main line)

Proper saturation is also key as well. As in how the water is applied. I prefer to use a nice shower head style water can. Provides an even amount of water across the medium.

Some people tend to just pour water all around. That can lead to dry/wet pockets in the soil.

Sweet. Thanks guys!

Plants, seedlings that small you cold practically water by spitting on them ( there roots must be very immature , would not like to be swamped rather a light watering.. I also agree with the Dharma Bum , Kerowacked( l like it , got a cat Jack Keroucat ) that moisture useful ( after lift I check with meter to confirm ) The meters cost peanuts....get one that has 3 zone colors , dry-moist-wet...............try to avoid wet......I just had a bloom of mushrooms come ou the bottom of a wet crock. Ya gotta decide now what kind of water.......composition......effect on pH.........conductivity........blah blah blah....apologies.

StonedGardener said:

Plants, seedlings that small you cold practically water by spitting on them ( there roots must be very immature , would not like to be swamped rather a light watering.. I also agree with the Dharma Bum , Kerowacked( l like it , got a cat Jack Keroucat ) that moisture useful ( after lift I check with meter to confirm ) The meters cost peanuts....get one that has 3 zone colors , dry-moist-wet...............try to avoid wet......I just had a bloom of mushrooms come ou the bottom of a wet crock. Ya gotta decide now what kind of water.......composition......effect on pH.........conductivity........blah blah blah....apologies.

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The Subterraneans, at three weeks

Over watering only occurs with young plants
Go by pot weight and ditch the soil meter
Good luck

Herb & Suds said:

Over watering only occurs with young plants
Go by pot weight and ditch the soil meter
Good luck

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Its hard to learn, you want the top layer of soil dry to prevent bugs so a good watering should go down to the roots and need a couple days to a week to dry out.

The Subterraneans.......I remember beat-knicks......the " Beat " era.......I have eaten all of his work with a spoon. Ya got. Ginsberg , Bill Burroughs ( what a pisser............read "Junky " loved it...." Naked Lunch ( ya better be tripping to read this ) . If I knew how to put a photo up I'd show you the collection of Kerouac's books sitting in front of me. Those dudes rolled hard ! "Dharma Bums" is a trip. They all were......Desolation Angels......fantastic.

mikaroni said:

OK, here is a better picture to show their size. So, it sounds like I should fully water until runoff based on what you guys are saying?

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they dont look too happy at all they should be a healthy dark green just water every 3rd day to runoff at first

I have a collection of Jack’s recordings, his mad speech at Brandeis, poetry with jazz accompaniment, he was a gas to hear.
Apologies to the op mikaroni, stoners wander

StonedGardener said:

The Subterraneans.......I remember beat-knicks......the " Beat " era.......I have eaten all of his work with a spoon. Ya got. Ginsberg , Bill Burroughs ( what a pisser............read "Junky " loved it...." Naked Lunch ( ya better be tripping to read this ) . If I knew how to put a photo up I'd show you the collection of Kerouac's books sitting in front of me. Those dudes rolled hard ! "Dharma Bums" is a trip. They all were......Desolation Angels......fantastic.

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i just watched the other one a bob weir Doc he had a little insight into that scene at a young age good watch its on prime i think