PROPER WATERING OF OUTDOOR PLANTER GARDENS/ROCK PATIO PLANTS

This picture shows that I've place this large planter as a focal point of my garden. Therefore, I raised it up from the ground with some leftover bricks.  

Nonetheless, let's focus on the paving stone between the brick and the planter.  It allows free flow of water and liquid plant food.  I can see the water flow over the paver to the ground:  no leftover standing water. Try placing your vegetable and/or flower planters on stone pavers as oppose to the naked ground, for good drainage.  Matching planter saucers look great, but can be a haven for mosquito larvae.  Some gardeners prefer rocks that can also block drainage holes, so be careful that you don't drown your green babies.  They may turn yellow and die sometimes of "Root rot,"  

(From Elite Tree Care) 

"Root rot" symptoms are:

Gradual or quick decline without an obvious reason. 

Stunted or poor growth

Small, pale leaves

Wilted, yellowed, or browned leaves

Plant stems or leaves are yellowish and mushy where they touch the soil 

Mushy plant stems or leaves can be very easily plucked up from the soil

Thinning of the canopy

It could be contagious to surrounding plants.  Be careful.  Try not to over-water, Soil Sisters.   

                       The word, "release" is spelled wrong in my drawing. Sorry.

When ALL drain holes leak you'll know that the soil inside the planter is evenly saturated: no unseen dry patches in your plant's potting mix.

When I water my in-ground plants (bushes, baby trees, etc.) I leave the hose running at the plant base, I walk away to do something else, I come back to a puddle. Then I move the hose to the next plant. The plant will be good for up to three days (max).  Day 3 shows thirsty wilting leaves. Needs more water.

Also, we (humans) want to be comfortable.  Water when temps are cooler in the day, because the morning sun is softer coming up from the east: not as intense.  It also gives time for foliage to dry before the sun burns hot.  

Sun up or going down, you'll have a short window (In the South 6am - 9 am) to get it done while temps are cooler.

However, if you must do regular watering in the evening let there be a breeze that night to dry the foliage to keep fungi from growing on your plant. Fungi will thrive in moist dark warm places.

                                 Thanks for visiting my blog, and Happy Gardening!