Soil drying out?

I read once that letting soil dry out once in a while could benefit the plant, any truth in this? If so how?

The reason I ask is, ive had to leave my grow for six days, my girlfriend will be going to my house to water it today (hopefully, lazy bitch) the fourth day without me.

Should it be ok?

Depends on the size of your pot, an how thoroughly you water it.

Most people in soil don't water but every 3 days, so should be fine.

There are conflicting opinions on this topic Interdope, some say (like I) that you should let the medium dry somewhat so the roots will search out moisture, some say the plant will incur stress and may develop incorrectly. I like to meausre the heft (weight) of my pots after watering so I have an idea, and you should be able to tell when you're dry after some practice

KC

kushcanuck is right. Alot of what we do just comes from experience, personal preference, shit like that. Being an indoor grower in pots I water mine every 3 to 4 days. To measure if they need water or not I look for drooping leaves as a major "needs water" and I always try and water them before this stage happens. I just lift my pots, and if they are light I will water them. If you are growing in a pot lift it next time you water it. Also, I make sure to water the pot FULLY! I use 13.5L pots and have poured a full 4L bucket of water into them only to see nothing come out the other side. I always water until the soil can't hold anymore and I see water coming out the bottom.


I would also say that even if your plant doesn't get water for a week or so... just go back and water it when you're back and you should be fine. Just a little stressed from lack of water.

Cheers KC and sleeper.

I feel better now knowing its not such a bad thing, especially if it gets the water tonight!

+rep

All I know is that when my plants start drying up, they perk up really nicely. I wait till they ask for water...

mannurse801 said:

All I know is that when my plants start drying up, they perk up really nicely. I wait till they ask for water...

Click to expand...

I agree, however this takes experience and patience, maybe not so easy for a rookie grower ... ? Good call though Mannurse

KC