How much to water newly planted seeds.

T

tjohnny

New Member
I just recently germinated my plants, two seeds to be exact and they both germinated very nicely. I then planted them in one gallon pots and did the first watering session. My question to all of you is how much and how often to water them. I have read a ton about people saying not to over water and all of that junk, and i am just curious if the plants are really that sensitive to that? I know once the soil is dry i should water, i get that, but is there a rule that says it should be every third day or anything like that? Or should i just go with when the soil is dry?

thanks fellas!!
 
DemonTrich

DemonTrich

Well-Known Member
this is what I do, I do the weight/lift test. before you water, lift the pot, should feel relatively light, but with weight from dirt/plant. now water until run-off. now pick up the pot. notice how heavy it is. check pot next day for weight. then again the next day. and again the next day. for a 1gal pot, you might go 2-3 days or more before needing to water again. my 5 gal pots go about 4-5 days (5 max), my 3 gal I went 3-4 days. if you notice your plants leaves drooping, its time to water. but make sure the pots light, if the pots still heavy, then you may have another issue besides a watering sign. you can also stick your finger in the soil and test that way. I prefer the lift method and feel the weight.
 
C

Ckma

Member
I second that and don't use any fertz for 2 - 3 weekz even longer in soil..
I suggest fluffing the soil up with cococoir mixed in as well you cant have to much aeration its impossible.. itll make the plant roots more resilient.
 
Cpappa27

Cpappa27

Well-Known Member
Exactly, and roots grow when the soil gets dry. If its continuously wet the roots have no need to grow to find water. Small roots, small plant. Good Luck
DemonTrich said:
this is what I do, I do the weight/lift test. before you water, lift the pot, should feel relatively light, but with weight from dirt/plant. now water until run-off. now pick up the pot. notice how heavy it is. check pot next day for weight. then again the next day. and again the next day. for a 1gal pot, you might go 2-3 days or more before needing to water again. my 5 gal pots go about 4-5 days (5 max), my 3 gal I went 3-4 days. if you notice your plants leaves drooping, its time to water. but make sure the pots light, if the pots still heavy, then you may have another issue besides a watering sign. you can also stick your finger in the soil and test that way. I prefer the lift method and feel the weight.
Click to expand...
 
AimAim

AimAim

Well-Known Member
If you are in one gallon pots with tiny seedlings don't "water until runoff" yet. If you do the soil will be soggy wet for a week or more. Just trickle maybe 6 oz right at the base of the plant. The roots will be to the bottom of the pot in a couple weeks, so start setting the pots in a pan with a couple inches water in it for a couple minutes and let them suck it up from below.
 
Walter9999

Walter9999

Well-Known Member
Sure fire way to stunt your babies is having them sit in soggy soil during infancy...dry soil will stimulate root growth
 
P

plaguedog

Active Member
tjohnny said:
I just recently germinated my plants, two seeds to be exact and they both germinated very nicely. I then planted them in one gallon pots and did the first watering session. My question to all of you is how much and how often to water them. I have read a ton about people saying not to over water and all of that junk, and i am just curious if the plants are really that sensitive to that? I know once the soil is dry i should water, i get that, but is there a rule that says it should be every third day or anything like that? Or should i just go with when the soil is dry?

thanks fellas!!
Click to expand...
In a one gallon container with that has been thoroughly watered you shouldn't have to water them at all for at least a week(and probably longer). Take a one gallon container, fill it with your soil mix un-watered. When your plant feels the same as that, water it.

AimAim said:
If you are in one gallon pots with tiny seedlings don't "water until runoff" yet. If you do the soil will be soggy wet for a week or more. Just trickle maybe 6 oz right at the base of the plant. The roots will be to the bottom of the pot in a couple weeks, so start setting the pots in a pan with a couple inches water in it for a couple minutes and let them suck it up from below.
Click to expand...
Excellent advice as well.
 
BigEasy1

BigEasy1

Well-Known Member
I usually let mine go for a few weeks in the small plastic starter pot before I transplant. Just remember that you can't really give your plant too much water but you can water it too often.
 
MYOB

MYOB

Well-Known Member
This is one of those things that you really have to learn with experience. It is more of a feel thing than an exact amount.

The container weight test is the best advice for a new grower. After a few grows, youll just know.
 
topfuel29

topfuel29

Well-Known Member
IMO- start in a small container, work your way up in size, until you get more experience.
even the top soil looks dry, it's moist under the soil.
Remember "Love Kills"
Get a Soil Moisture meter there cheap and will tell you when you need to water.
 
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