Advice for watering gardens

A University of Illinois Extension Educator has a few tips for watering container gardens.

U of I Extension’s Andrew Holsinger says soil type matters and you should avoid using garden soil for containers. Also, pick the right container as a variety of containers are suitable for growing herbs and vegetables. Choose a container based on what you plan on growing.

Non-porous and porous containers will impact soil moisture level. Potting mix in clay, fabric, and unglazed ceramic containers will dry faster than plastic or glazed pots. Check those containers daily as most plants need to be watered when half of the moisture is gone. Use a soil moisture probe or estimate by the feel of the soil.

For more on growing vegetables and herbs in containers, visit the Successful Container Gardens website from the University of Illinois Extension.