Watering plants

jakeman12

Active Member
I am a new grower and do not want to under or overwater my plants. I am going to pick up a soil moisture meter today. My question to all you experienced growers is do I water when the meter says needs water or do I wait till it says dry. Or I can get the meter with the gauge on it like a speedo. How dry do I want my plants to get. Thanks in advance
 

deejay123

Well-Known Member
Agree with the first answer, also u could get some scales and weigh it when its just been waterd, weigh it again in a couple of days, if it feels 50% lighter then its feed time
 

Foothills

Well-Known Member
You can check the first 2" or 3" of your soil with your finger.If it's dry,give her some water,if not,hold off and check again.There are many variables when it comes to how much water your plants are going need.All I can tell you is that with more experience and a good dose of common sense,you will become familiar with those variables and learn to read your plants on your own. Good Luck !
 

dabumps

Well-Known Member
Besides all of that. With optimal soil for cannabis (airy) it is always going to read dry...
 

Cobnobuler

Well-Known Member
It's best to just use the "lift" method. If it is light, add water - if it's still heavy, hold off.
THIS is all you need to know fella. Save your money for other "stuff" screw the moisture meter It doesnt take any time at all to get a "feel" for the pots. A blind man can easily do it. Theyll get light before the plant dries up and thats when you want to catch it. You want it to drink as much of it as possible before you hit it again.
And since your new to this great fun...Easy on the nutrients. If you use them, start out with no more than half the recommended dosage. This can save you from accidentally burning the shit out of 'em
Good luck and dont forget to have fun !!
 

Vindicated

Well-Known Member
I do the lift method myself. It's the most reliable method I've found for containers. I also own one of those USB plant sensors you see at Home Depot and Lowes. very cool for the garden and for getting seed recommendations, but not all that helpful when growing pot.
 

chrishydro

Well-Known Member
I wait for the top inch of soil is dry and there is a very very slight ring of seperation between the end of the soil and the pot. I want to make sure the roots streach for their food.
 

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
Agree with the first answer, also u could get some scales and weigh it when its just been waterd, weigh it again in a couple of days, if it feels 50% lighter then its feed time
Let me agree but modify. When you plant your plant in dampened soil (transplanting from whatever to whatever) weigh and record. Then water well and weigh again. Now when you question how wet is she you can get a fair idea. Yes the plant grows and adds weight but by then you are tuned into her or dead in the head. Do this each time you transplant IF you can. Bathroom scales only? Weigh yourself holding it both times.
 

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
THIS is all you need to know fella. Save your money for other "stuff" screw the moisture meter It doesnt take any time at all to get a "feel" for the pots. A blind man can easily do it. Theyll get light before the plant dries up and thats when you want to catch it. You want it to drink as much of it as possible before you hit it again.
And since your new to this great fun...Easy on the nutrients. If you use them, start out with no more than half the recommended dosage. This can save you from accidentally burning the shit out of 'em
Good luck and dont forget to have fun !!
AGREED! I advise the timid to water and weigh if that is what it takes them to just get the seeds in the dirt. It all comes after. . . ..
 

timbo123

Active Member
Let me agree but modify. When you plant your plant in dampened soil (transplanting from whatever to whatever) weigh and record. Then water well and weigh again. Now when you question how wet is she you can get a fair idea. Yes the plant grows and adds weight but by then you are tuned into her or dead in the head. Do this each time you transplant IF you can. Bathroom scales only? Weigh yourself holding it both times.
One word of caution... if you are on a hot fudge sundae binge and porking out... this method could leave your plants a lil thirsty.. because your increasing fatness may prevent you from recognizing your plant is getting lighter as you hold it and weigh yourself on the scale. You prolly thought of this already... but just sayin.
 

sly fox

Member
Also, you have to take in account that the root mass will also put weight on that scale more and more as it ages.
 
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