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Smart Watering with Pure Tap
Whether you have a sprawling garden or a single succulent, water plays an essential role in keeping your plants healthy. Plants in Louisville are especially lucky — they get to grow with some of the highest-quality water in the country! Use these tips to help keep your thumb green and your plants happy and hydrated with Louisville Pure Tap®.
Indoor Plants – Watering Tips from Louisville Water
How much water do my plants need? It depends on…
The type of plant: plants with thicker leaves, like succulents, are naturally adapted to go longer without water, while plants with thinner leaves need more frequent watering.
The time of year: plants undergo less photosynthesis during the winter months due to decreased daylight hours and may therefore require less water.
The environment: the temperature in your home, light intensity, and humidity can all play a factor. Plants in a shady corner may need less frequent watering than those in a sunny window or near a vent.
The type of the pot: pots made of porous materials will need more frequent watering. Larger pots, by nature, will hold more water than smaller pots. Topping the soil with mulch can help prevent surface drying.
When should I water?
- Check the soil — if it’s dry through the first inch, it’s likely time to water.
- It is better to allow plants to dry out slightly and then thoroughly water in one sitting, rather than watering a little bit here and there.
- Observe your plants, and only water when needed.
Too much of a good thing?
- The signs of overwatering can look a lot like underwatering — wilting, browning around the edges, and losing leaves. If you notice these symptoms and the soil is still damp and/or showing signs of mold, overwatering is likely at fault.
- Make sure pots have adequate drainage holes. Empty any extra water from the drip tray after watering, as this can cause root rot.
Lawn & Garden – Watering Tips from Louisville Water
Garden Beds
- Water every 1-3 days in summer, more often for younger plants.
- It is common for leaves to droop in the heat of the day, but drooping in the morning or at night is a sign to water.
- Mulch can help retain moisture.
- Always check to see if soil needs water; overwatering can lead to disease and root rot.
Containers
- Plants in containers require daily watering in summer.
- Avoid porous planters like terracotta that leach moisture more rapidly.
- Add coir peat to potting mix to help retain water in the soil.
- Consider using larger containers that can hold multiple plants; these will dry out less quickly.
Lawns
- Mow lawn to the correct height (1-2 inches depending on the variety).
- For best results, deep soak the lawn as opposed to lightly watering.
- Most lawns need about 1 inch of water per week; a rain gauge helps to monitor water levels.
- For larger areas, consider installing an irrigation system.
Trees
- Trees less than 3 years old should be watered twice weekly.
- In drought conditions, even mature trees need weekly watering.
- Water at the drip line (the perimeter below the branches) instead of at the base of the tree.
- It takes at least an hour for water to saturate through the turf and begin to work into the soil.
Ways to Save Water
- Water plants in the morning to minimize evaporation.
- Check hose connections for leaks; even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons a day.
- Position sprinklers where water won’t hit pavement, and avoid watering on windy days.