7 Important Watering Do’s

DO water a pan or flat of newly sown seed by submerging almost to the rim in a larger container until wet patches show on surface. Continue until seedlings are well advanced.

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DO use a watering can with a fine rose when watering seedlings. A gentle spray will not dislodge soil about roots or flatten the tender plantlets. Repeat before soil dries out.

DO moisten the roots when plants are out of the ground during transplanting and leave them in shade covered burlap; protect from wind and replant as soon as possible.

DO leave a shallow saucer-like depression around the base of newly set plants to catch rain water. This does not apply to roses which are hilled up when planted to prevent stem drying.

DO use a water wand or soil soaker hose at the base of plants to wet the soil thoroughly for a depth of several inches. Keep foliage dry late in day to prevent spread of fungus diseases.

DO use a lawn sprinkler, preferably in the morning, before the sun is hot, and soak each area to a depth of several inches before the sprinkler is moved to the next position.

DO water hairy-leaved plants like African violets or gloxinias from the saucer so they may soak up moisture through roots. Leaf spot and crown rot may start on top-watered plants.

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