Let's talk about watering techniques

[Runagi]

Ok so we all know overwatering is the #1 cause of ganja death... What I'd like to know is what are you guys' preferred watering techniques for indoor growing, soil based. For now I'm just spritzing with water, and I've only done it once, considering most of my plants are just sprouts and are 3 days old, if even.

So, how do you like to water your plant and monitor moisture???

 

[rockin 7734]

if you have them in buckets,drill holes in the side at the very bottom about 3/8 in. diameter .4 or 5 of them. then drill the same size and amount of holes halfway up the bucket for airation to prevent rot.Water it slowly so that all the water seeps through the soil(not down the insides of bucket).Make sure you get it to seep through all the dry soil till it flows out the bottom holes on the bucket.You monitoring ph?If you use tap water,put in in a container with an aquarium air stone in it(to add air saturation to water for roots and helps to evaporate the chlorine).Wait till the leaves start to fall a little before you water again.Nutes usually can be used in moderation every other watering but if you use a stonger mix you might wanna wait 3 watering between food.reading the plants condition will tell you what the plant needs when it needs it.

 

[Runagi]

Nope i wouldn't risk using tap water, the H2O quality here in never never land sucks. I use spring water, room temperature, in a mini spray bottle for now.

Any other special techniques people like to use?

 

[cheetah2007]

i water my plant when it needs water(she tells me )

 

[Ativas]

Watering basics are pretty straight-forward; it's a shame many beginners don't follow them.

Once you have 'real' plants going, the best way to water is the soak and dry method. Before watering, wait until the soil is absolutely, completely dry. If there is even a small amount of moisture in the container/soil, it is too soon to water. Once you get used to the weight of your containers when totally dry (by lifting them) you'll be able to get a good idea how close to needing water they are from that. For example, the top of the soil might look dry, the whole thing may 'seem' dry, but when you lift it, it is not as light as it you know it should be when totally dry. Obviously this means don't water yet.

When it does come time to water, add it until it comes out the drain holes in the bottom then stop. This ensures all of the soil is wet. Then, of course, wait until it drys TOTALLY before watering again. The problem most beginners have, is they add water when the container is not completely dry. If the soil never dries, the plant cannot get the oxygen it requires to thrive and maintain a healthy root system. For one thing, drying helps to create nooks and cavities that air can get through. This is vital for proper plant growth.

A couple things to remember: 1 - The container you use makes a big difference. If you use a container that is too big for the size of plant you have, it doesn't dry out fast enough and the roots are surrounded by water for too long. If you plant a small plant in a big pail for example, you will notice that it doesn't grow near as well as a small plant in the right sized container. 2 - Plants can recover from a dry spell; over-watering equals disaster. In other words, less is always more. Of course, as 'rocker' mentioned, if a plant starts wilting, that is a sure sign it's ready for a drink. Wilting a little bit won't hurt it; it's a hell of a lot better than over-watering. Hope this helps.

 

[Catnip]

I don't understand how "completely dry" soil can be good for the plant or it's root system. Wouldn't it be better to keep at least a low level of moisture at all times? It seems to me if you continually let the roots dry out completely, the plant will be spending precious time and energy constantly replacing those that die or are damaged from this.

I don't know though, I'm only on my first grow. There is soooo much differing advice out there, I'm just trying to do what seems "right" to me. So far, so good. I try to keep my soil moist by watering small amounts once every day (very small pots, fast growth) or two or three days (larger pots) as I feel it is needed. Then about once a week I do a deeper watering to make certain the bottom is moist as well in the larger pots.

Of course, I guess the composition of the soil would need to be taken into account when determining a watering method/frequency as well.

So many methods, not enough space to test them all...

 

[Ativas]

The way you are watering is what a lot of beginners do, but trust me, it's not a good idea. The roots are not damaged nor do they die from the soil drying out. On the contrary, this is a very natural way for plants to grow; when there is no water available, the roots go in search of it. If you examine the roots of a plant watered properly and one that is kept moist all the time you will see that the one watered properly has a much healthier, and larger root system. I hesitate to say this but, this place is overflowing with bad advice; as a newcomer here I'm kind of shocked at the number of people who have no idea what they're talking about but giving out advice just the same. Now I don't want to come off as a know-it-all 'cause I certainly don't know it all; however, I've been growing since the 70's and have learned a few things along the way.

You're right about soil composition of course - makes a big difference. So does the size of pot you use. If you use one too big, it doesn't dry out fast enough and the roots are continually moist, which, again, is a bad thing.

For what it's worth, ProMix soilless mix is the best I've found for growing cannabis. Besides being a good 'soil,' you never have to worry about ph as long as you use this product. (It contains an agent to keep ph at a good level.)

So ... break free of that common beginner mistake. Let the soil dry out completely before watering. They'll thank you in the end.

 

[Catnip]

So how long can the pot be completely dry before it damages the roots? Because my understanding of general plant biology is when soil drys completely, the root hairs dry up, and that's never been good for any plant I've ever had experience with in the past.

 

[Ativas]

I check my plants twice a day, minimum, and keep an eye on the ones that are close to drying out. Once I'm sure a plant is totally dry, I water it then. Sometimes I'll leave it 'till the next day, but usually I'll water it as soon as I'm positive it's dry. (Note that, if I have any doubt about it being totally dry, I don't water.) You can always tell if it has gone too long because the plant will start to wilt. You should remember that plants can recover from a dry spell, but overwatering can be disasterous.

Maybe there was a misunderstanding 'cause I don't leave them dry once they get to that point, I just make sure that all moisture is gone from the container before watering. Do this and your plants will be healthier. I can guarantee it. what could be wrong

 

[Runagi]

Seems like waiting for the soil to dry does make a bit of a difference... It's only been days for me but I water every other day for now, and the same day I water them they shoot up by the evening; I'm testing the soil with a finger and by inspecting the cruddy tiny drain holes at the bottom of the pot. I only have them in tiny pots for now...

 

[SHOOT2KILL66]

My techniques is Squeeze, pour, or spray .........shoot

 

[rockin 7734]

If you don't trust your tap water you can always buy a good filter.When you get quite a few growing,spring water or any bottled water gets pricie.

 

[Ativas]

Seems like waiting for the soil to dry does make a bit of a difference...

It definitely makes a difference all right. Try keeping one plant moist all the time and with another, use the dry and soak method and see what happens. The one you let dry out will be much healthier and have a higher yield in the end. Just remember that the idea is not to leave them dry, just make sure they are dry before watering. If you're not doing that, you are over-watering - it's that simple. If they start to wilt (usually the bottom leaves wilt first) you have left them too long. We don't want to see them wilting, just dry out before watering, but before wilting.

 

[manofrainbows]

try useing the wic watering and just keep the resover filled with good water

 

[Ativas]

So how long can the pot be completely dry before it damages the roots? Because my understanding of general plant biology is when soil drys completely, the root hairs dry up, and that's never been good for any plant I've ever had experience with in the past.

I 'think' they'll only live for about 24 hours after the soil dries out totally but I'm not positive ... just don't leave them dry. Let them dry out before watering, but don't leave them that way. A few hours doesn't matter; I've seen my own plants go 12 with no signs of wilting at all, so I don't sweat it. I just know from (much) experience and conversations with very knowledgeable people that this is the best way to grow cannabis in soil. Incidentally, there is a difference between bloom and veg also ... if they get left dry for very long during the bloom period it can be disasterous.

FYI: My yield improved significantly when I switched from being the guy who was too scared to let his plants get too dry, to using the 'dry and soak' method. Try it with one plant and watch the difference.

 

[Ativas]

There's one important thing I neglected to mention; I guess I assumed people would already know and maybe they do ... anyway, the soak and dry method as I described it should probably not be used on young seedlings (1 - 2 weeks approx) if you're a beginner. I do it, but I have a ton of experience and keep a very close eye on them. Young seedlings can die quickly in dry soil so it's okay to water them when the soil is still a little moist; however, get into the soak and dry routine as soon as possible - perhaps, as a beginner, when you feel comfortable. With experience you will learn how to maximize root growth by letting the soil dry without giving it a second thought.

Note: None of this applies to brand new seedlings. At that fragile stage I would never let the soil dry out completely. At the same time, new seedlings don't need much water either so don't overdo it.

One last point that gets many people in trouble. (Even though it should already be clear I'll say it a different way.) Watering should not be done on a time schedule (for example, every other day, or every three days etc.) but should be based on the condition of the soil. 'When to water' can vary a lot from plant to plant, even though the plants themselves may look similar.

 

[aLightInTheAttic]

I do the simple finger in the soil, moist wait till the next day dry give em' a drink, seems simple but be careful of the beginner temptation to go to either extreme, a friend of mine heard over watering was bad and barely gave them enough to survive then when i told him what the problem was he now nearly drowns them, its not that complicated and easy to figure out if you give your plants alot of attention and pay attention to the signs their trying to show you (drooping leaves etc.)

 

[Ativas]

a friend of mine heard over watering was bad and barely gave them enough to survive then when i told him what the problem was he now nearly drowns them

That's one reason why the soak and dry method is so effective. Some people misunderstand what over-watering is and think it is about giving them too much water at once when actually it is about giving them water too often.

When watering, keep pouring until it runs out the drain holes in the bottom, then, do not water again until the soil has completely dried, no matter how short or long it takes - no more water until dry. Once dry, don't leave them that way, soak them again until the water comes out the drain holes, then wait until they are dry again and so on and so forth. Keep repeating this process throughout the entire grow, except as I said, with very young seedlings. I am basing this on 20 years worth of experience, it's not just a guess. Try it and you will see a significant improvement in your plants.

 

[mcdandc]

You should invest in a 'moisture meter', can be found for $10 or so. Lets' you probe the 'depths' of your pot, and gives consistant feedback.

 

[Runagi]

moisture meter, good idea -- i'll pick one o' those up... for now the leaves are still nice and green, healthy, and not drooping, but i've been using the soak and dry method.