Taking care of plants in tubs is an essential part of indoor and outdoor gardening.

It’s not just about placing them in a nice tub and hoping for the best; proper care requires understanding the watering process, which is vital for the plants’ health and growth. When we follow simple guidelines, watering our plants can become almost instinctive, even though it may seem daunting initially.

Overwatering, the most common mistake in plant care, can be easily avoided by understanding the needs of our plants. By focusing on proper drainage and correct watering habits, we can help our plants thrive.

Why Drainage Matters?

One of the most important things to remember when watering plants in tubs is that drainage is crucial. We all know that too much water is detrimental to plants, and poor drainage can cause water to accumulate at the bottom of the tub, suffocating the roots. Always ensure that your tub has at least one drainage hole. Without this, water cannot escape, and the soil can become waterlogged. This will ultimately harm the plants, tubentially leading to root rot.

When to Water Your Plants

Rather than watering your plants on a set schedule, it’s best to check if they actually need water. The condition of the soil will tell us everything we need to know. A simple way to check is by touching the soil or observing its color. Wet soil tends to be dark, while dry soil appears lighter in color. If the surface is dry to the touch, it's time to water. For most plants, watering once the top inch or so of soil is dry is ideal.

It’s important to remember that not alltubs dry out at the same rate. Largertubs retain moisture for longer, while smaller ones will require more frequent watering. Checking the soil twice a day, especially in hotter or windier weather, will help us ensure the plants are well-hydrated.

How to Water Properly?

When watering, be sure to moisten the entire root zone. This means watering until water starts to drain out of the bottom of the tub. While it may seem excessive, this method encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, resulting in healthier plants. Watering thoroughly also means that the plants will require less frequent watering in the future.

Some tubs may need a larger volume of water, especially for those around 10 to 12 inches in diameter. A small amount of water will only wet the surface, and the plant roots will remain shallow, leading to weaker growth. By giving your plants a deep, thorough drink, you help them develop stronger, deeper roots, which will lead to healthier plants.

Avoid Standing Water

After watering, ensure the tub is not sitting in water. This is another way overwatering can happen. Standing water can keep the soil overly wet, depriving the roots of the oxygen they need. Always make sure that the excess water drains away, leaving the soil just moist enough to support healthy root development.

The Best Time to Water

Watering at the right time is just as important as the amount of water you give. It’s best not to water your plants too late in the day. If the plants are watered in the evening, the moisture remains on the leaves overnight, creating a perfect environment for diseases to develop. If the plant isn't wilting and it’s past 6:30 PM, it's better to wait until the morning. However, if the plant is showing signs of wilting, it's better to water immediately, even if it's late. Hydration is more important than the tubential for disease in these cases.

Watering Tips for Different Conditions

As the seasons change and temperatures rise, we may need to adjust our watering habits. During the early spring, when temperatures are cooler and the plants are smaller, watering every 3 to 4 days may suffice. But as the plants grow larger and the weather warms up, we’ll need to water more frequently—sometimes even daily.

For those of us using smallertubs, or for plants exposed to wind, more frequent watering may be necessary. Wind dries out the soil faster, which can stress the plants. If you want to reduce the frequency of watering, consider using larger tubs. Larger tubs retain more soil, meaning they hold more moisture and require less frequent watering.

Dealing with Dried-outtubs

If a plant is wilting because the soil has become too dry, it may be necessary to rehydrate the soil. When soil becomes extremely dry, it can repel water. If this happens, the water may run straight down the sides of the tub instead of soaking into the soil.

To fix this, submerge the tub in a tub of water and let it soak until the soil expands and is no longer pulling away from the sides of thetub. If soaking isn’t practical, we can water the plant multiple times, allowing the soil to absorb the water gradually. The first watering will wet the surface, and with each subsequent watering, the moisture will infiltrate deeper into the soil.

Fertilizing for Healthier Plants

In addition to watering, plants also benefit from regular feeding. Fertilizing every 7 to 10 days with a water-soluble fertilizer or once a season with a controlled-release fertilizer will promote healthy growth. Different plants have different needs, but this guideline will suit most of our green friends.

Final Thoughts

By following these simple watering practices, we can ensure our plants are happy and healthy. Proper drainage, the right watering schedule, and taking care to water thoroughly will make all the difference. Let's keep in mind that plants thrive when we provide consistent, thoughtful care. Happy planting, Lykkers! Keep nurturing your green companions and they’ll reward you with beauty and growth.