Container watering is a checking task before it is a pouring task. A pot’s planting, position and growing medium affect what it needs, so a universal daily volume is a poor starting point. Choose a routine that helps you notice changes instead of regarding every container alike.
Check below the surface
The RHS container-watering guide recommends checking moisture below the surface before watering, and explains that light rain may not reach far into the compost. It also distinguishes the needs of different plants, pot sizes and materials instead of offering one fixed schedule. Use those differences to decide which containers need attention first. The full guide explains how to water gradually and watch drainage, so the task responds to the pot rather than a habitual volume.
Direct attention to the roots
Gardeners’ World’s watering guide focuses on delivering water where plants use it and discusses choosing cooler parts of the day. Make access part of your planting plan: pots that are awkward to reach are awkward to check. Note which containers dry first and which stay damp, then respond to those differences. Follow the full guidance for the method that suits your planting rather than assuming that one watering trick fits the entire garden.
gardenersworld.com · Gardeners’ World · Watering garden plants