How to Water Outdoor Potted Plants:

Note: Avoid watering in the middle of the day, mornings are best. Water deeply, not more frequently!

• Use a moisture meter and insert the probe to its full depth in 3 different locations (away from rootball).

• Water the areas as needed to evenly distribute the moisture.

DRY meter reading (red)

   - For potted plants, water until water drains out of the bottom.

   - After 10 minutes, water a second time to assure saturation. Retest after several hours and repeat if necessary.

  - For cactus, water less often (every two weeks) and less often in winter months. If cactus are exposed to rainfall make sure that the pots are draining and no standing water collects in the planter.   

MOIST meter reading (yellow) If plants are close to the wet reading you can delay watering.

   - For cactus and succulents in full sun, water a small amount to maintain soil moisture.

   - For plants in full sun (not succulents) water moderately.

   - For plants in shade, if meter is on low side of moist, water thoroughly.

WET meter reading (green) No additional water needed.

For cactus, succulents, and  plants in shade or sun, no water is needed.

   Note: If plants are persistently wet /moist for 2-3 weeks, check the drainage hole.