Tips for Watering Plants

Proper watering techniques are essential for plant health and survival. The frequency and amount of water needed depends on soil conditions, weather, plant variety, and other factors. During hot summer months, most newly purchased plants should be watered by hand twice daily until planted. If you have any questions about watering, feel free to contact us!

Flowerbeds & Veggie Gardens

• Water at the base of plants using a slow flow to encourage deep root development.
• Avoid watering leaves, as this can promote fungal growth. If watering foliage is unavoidable, do so early in the day.
• Apply 2 inches of mulch—such as Soil Pep Bark Mulch or compost—around plants (avoiding stems) to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Pots & Containers

• In hot, windy weather, water daily or even twice a day.
• Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
• In cooler seasons, watering a couple times per week may be sufficient.
• Use high-quality potting soil, such as our Potting Mix, to maintain even moisture.

Trees & Shrubs

• Newly planted trees and shrubs must be checked daily and may need to be watered by hand daily until roots establish.
• Drip systems or sprinklers won’t suffice initially—we recommend hand-watering newly planted plants thoroughly.
• At Eagle Rock Nursery, we water trees and shrubs 1–2 times daily while they are in pots. You should do the same before planting. 

    Once Planted:

• Check daily to ensure soil is consistently moist
• Water slowly and deeply for the first month, this likely will need to be done daily.
• After establishment, water 2–3 times per week through late fall.
• Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
• Check that soil below the surface is not dry or dusty

For mature trees, thoroughly water by letting a hose run slowly run under the trees. You can leave it on for 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the tree.  It is always a good idea to soak trees after a windy day.

Lawns

• Provide 1–2 inches of water per week.
• To measure output, place small containers on the lawn and time how long it takes to reach ½ inch of water.
• Water less frequently in spring and fall.
• Morning watering is best to avoid stress and disease.
• Overwatering can increase lawn vulnerability to stress and disease.