How Often to water Potted Plants in 100 degree Weather

[St. Phatty]

I have known a few highly experienced outdoor growers who advocated watering on alternate days.

BUT - they were dealing with plants in the ground.

I have a few plants started mid-summer, that are finally beginning to say, "I really like it here".

2 of them are in 3 gallon pots, one is in a 6 gallon pot, and one was just put in place (a Fem AK47 x WW) after 2 other seedlings went male (GREAT chicken food !!! )

Starbud

So my neighbor is 100 yards over, with his 2 plants in about 8 gallon pots, watering every other day. It works for him.

Neighbor's plant, Candyland x Apollo

I don't always try to push the water. Sometimes I just go out and look at the plants mid-afternoon. You know what they say about not food shopping when you're hungry ?

Does that apply to not watering when you're too hot ? If I'm standing there in 100 degree weather, in the sun, looking at my little plant ... the soil on top is dry ... it looks like it's working so hard, all the leaves lifted up to the sun.

Anyway, I figure you just have to go by feel.

And, also, to check the plants to see how they respond on those days when you miss a watering.


THE QUESTION -
How often do you water plants that are in pots ... sitting in the sun in 100 degree weather ?

 

[Lapides]

Put a Blumat in it and never have to ask this question again.

 

[coldcanna]

Mulch the top to slow evaporation. Water until you see water runoff coming out the bottom. Get a feeling for how much the pot weighs wet, dry, ect that's an easy method. If it's that hot I wouldn't worry about overwatering start with every other day and see how the plant reacts, droopy leaves mean she's thirsty

 

[amanda88]

In my area we have had great debate as to the best time to water, a big time botanist suggests watering the same time everyday, 4.30pm, not the best time for most of us, or perhaps afterwork? I put too him, he agreed 4.30-6.00pm zone is ideal

as in most instances growers become worried, with excessive heat, that hits most about 10am to 2pm? so watering later afternoon allow the plant to recover and rebuild damaged ware, ready for the solar onslaught the next day

Giving your plant some shelter during the worst heat say 10am-2pm would prevent your plant falling dormant

 

[coldcanna]

I second what Amanda said, end of the day is best and it's also a great way to take some zen time after work. The only thing to NOT do in my opinion is foliar at dusk especially in the fall when dense buds are coming on, that's just inviting fungal problems.

 

[amanda88]

I took the temp of the soil earlier this month ..it was 42C/108F, way too hot, I wrapped that pot in an old white damp towel, to cool her down, it worked I hope to do all my pots that way, sure the air temp is a horrid temporary thing but hot soil ain't ..thats just Dangerous!

I'm sure other have used other 'thinking on your feet' techniques

 

[coldcanna]

Is it possible for you to plant it in the ground? That with some mulch and plenty of water would keep you safe.

 

[MelloYello]

I always wrap cardboard around those pots. You are cooking the roots.