Bringing new plants into your garden or landscape can be an exciting time. However, those new additions require some extra care, especially when it comes to watering. Learning how often to water new plants is crucial for getting them off to a healthy start in your yard.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about watering frequency for new plantings, including:
- Why new plants need more frequent watering
- How often to water perennials, shrubs, trees, and other new plantings
- Tips for watering new container plants
- Signs that your new plants need water
- Common mistakes and problems with watering new plants
- When and how much to reduce watering frequency as plants become established
Why New Plants Need More Frequent Watering
Newly planted specimens haven’t yet had a chance to develop an extensive root system in your landscape. Without a robust network of roots reaching out into the surrounding soil, new plantings can’t absorb enough moisture from the ground to sustain growth As a result, they require supplemental, frequent watering
You may be tempted to rely on sprinklers or your existing irrigation system to water new plantings. However, sprinklers and standard drip irrigation provide only shallow watering of the surface. New plants need deep moisture at the root level to encourage roots to grow downward and establish the plant. So supplemental, attentive watering is required.
How Often to Water Perennials, Shrubs, Trees & More
When it comes to how often to water new plants, frequency depends on a few factors
- Type of plant
- Size of plant
- Time of year planted
- Weather conditions
Here are some general guidelines for how often to water common new plantings:
New perennials:
- Water every 1-2 days for the first 2 weeks after planting
- After 2 weeks, water 2-3 times per week
- After the first month, water 1-2 times per week
New shrubs:
- Water every 2-3 days for the first month
- After the first month, water 2 times per week
- During summer heat, water 3 times per week
New trees:
- Water every 2 days for the first 2 weeks
- After 2 weeks, water every 3 days for the first month
- After the first month, water 1-2 times per week
- During summer heat, water 2-3 times per week
New annuals:
- Water daily for the first week
- After the first week, water every other day
- Pay close attention to watering needs in hot weather
New lawn sod:
- Water daily for the first 2 weeks
- After 2 weeks, water every other day for 2 more weeks
- After 1 month, water 2-3 times per week
These frequencies serve as general guidelines, but you’ll want to closely monitor soil moisture as well. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil around new plants daily. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water thoroughly.
Also, adjust frequencies based on weather. Hot, dry, or windy conditions create more demand for water. Cool or rainy weather allows you to water less often.
Watering New Container Plants
New plantings in containers have some additional watering considerations:
- Check soil moisture daily by sticking your finger 1 inch into the soil.
- During the first 2 weeks, you may need to water daily or even twice a day in hot weather. The small amount of soil in containers dries out quickly.
- After 2 weeks, aim to water container plants every other day.
- Pay extra attention and increase frequency if plants show any wilting.
Grouping containers together can create a microclimate and dry out soil faster. Consider grouping them in an area that’s easy to water all at once with a hose.
Signs It’s Time to Water New Plantings
In addition to sticking your finger in the soil, watch for these visible signs that new plants need water:
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Wilting or drooping leaves – Early wilting is one of the first signs that plants need water. It may recover in the evening but indicates it’s time to water.
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Leaf scorch – Brown crunchy edges on leaves often indicate inadequate water.
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Stunted growth – Poor growth can be a sign roots aren’t getting enough moisture.
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Bare branches – Failure to leaf out or grow new shoots indicates a stressed, water-deprived plant.
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Cracked or dry soil – If the soil surface is cracked or very dry, it’s a red flag that water is needed.
Rely more on checking soil moisture than waiting for these visible cues, since by that point, plants are already stressed. Frequent soil checks let you stay ahead of water needs.
Common Mistakes When Watering New Plants
It’s easy to make missteps when learning how often to water new plantings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
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Underwatering – This is most dangerous in the first weeks after planting when roots are poorly established. Even mild underwatering can severely stunt or kill new plantings.
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Overwatering – Too much moisture deprives roots of oxygen. Gradually decrease frequency to avoid this.
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Irregular watering – Inconsistent soil moisture stresses plants. Stick to a regular watering regime.
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Surface watering – Sprinkling the surface leads to shallow roots. Prioritize deep soakings to encourage downward root growth.
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Watering during the heat of day – Some water will evaporate before plants can drink it up. Water early in the morning instead.
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Not adjusting for weather – Update your watering schedule based on rainfall, temperature, wind and other conditions.
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Letting soil get completely dry – Wait until just the top few inches of soil have dried to water again, not the whole root zone.
When to Reduce Watering Frequency as Plants Become Established
The good news about frequent watering of new plantings is that it’s temporary. As plants grow roots into surrounding soil over the first year, you can gradually reduce watering frequency.
Here are some guidelines for when and how to decrease watering as plants become established:
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6-8 weeks after planting: Begin to extend the time between waterings by a day or two.
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After the first 3 months: Water most new perennials, shrubs and trees only 1-2 times per week.
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After the first year: Watering once weekly is sufficient for most established plants, except during heat waves or drought.
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After 2 years: Mature plants likely only need water during extended dry periods. Mulching can help reduce water needs.
Always do the “finger test” when deciding whether established plants need water. And monitor them for any signs of wilt or stress. If they perk up after watering, that’s a clue you waited too long.
In Summary:
New plantings need attentive, frequent watering to successfully establish in your landscape or containers. How often depends on the plant type, size, weather and other factors. But in general, most new plantings need deep watering about 2-3 times per week during the first year. Reduce frequency as plants mature and root systems expand over the first 2 years. Proper watering when plants are newly planted ensures they get off to a healthy start!
Start new plants off right!
Deeper, infrequent watering helps plants grow healthy extensive roots, that stand up better to drought stress. Smart watering makes a big difference in the health of new plants!.
Spring through fall, when weather is dry.
- When you plant, water the plants as soon as you put them in the ground. Let the water soak in, and then water again until the soil is completely wet.
- Week one: Water plants daily or every other day. Roots that have just been planted will soak up water from a small area until they start to grow.
- From the second week on, unless it’s very hot and dry, you may be able to cut back on how often you water to twice or three times a week until the fall rains start.
When is the BEST Time to Water the Garden and Why?
How often should you water a new plant?
To ensure proper growth for new plants (including drought tolerant ones), you should water them deeply every time_, wetting the soil 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.) deep. This encourages roots to grow deeply. Allow the soil and roots to slightly dry out between waterings to encourage the roots to reach out and seek water on their own.
Do you need a lot of water to water new plants?
If you are watering new plants, you will need to adjust your watering habits based on the soil conditions and the season. If your soil is too sandy or mostly clay, you will have to adjust your soil. In a rainy season, you will need to water less. Conversely, in the dry season, you will need to water more.
How often should I water my garden?
In cooler zone 5 gardens with clay and mulch, a well watered garden can last for a couple of weeks. It is recommended to water less frequently and go deep, rather than watering frequently. Proper watering takes a lot of time and water in such gardens.
How often should you water a container plant?
Container plants need to be watered every day or every other day throughout the growing season, as they dry out faster. If it is hot and dry, water more. When in doubt, simply stick your fingers in the soil. If it is dry, water it; if it is wet, give it time to absorb the water in the soil.