Why I Always Water New Plantings – Rain or Not

July 3rd, 2018

   The first thing I do when I finish planting any new plant is to give it a good soaking of water. Right away.

I always water in new plantings, despite any forecasts of can’t-miss rain.

   This includes when the soil is already damp and even when I’m planting during a rain, which happens a fair amount because of the limited time I often have to plant them.

   Why? Isn’t that unnecessary? Isn’t it just one more reason for passersby to think I’m crazy? No and maybe.

   The reason to water ASAP is that plant roots need thorough contact with the soil as well as damp soil to grow well. By watering, you settle the soil around the newly planted plant and ensure that soil is damp right off the bat.

   Not watering means your roots will have to wait until the first soaking rain for any excessive air pockets around them to fill in.

   Also, it’s possible that soil isn’t as damp as you think.

   So, take away the maybes, and “water in” your new plants as soon as you’re done planting. This is doubly important if you’re planting in summer, when insufficiently damp new plants can go down the tubes in days in the heat.

   It’s also a good idea to lightly tamp the plant into place before reaching for the hose or watering can.

   The key word there is “lightly.” Firming the soil around the roots to create root-to-soil contact is good. Smashing/squishing it down is bad because that compacts the soil and forces out too much of the air spaces in the soil that serve oxygen to the roots.

   Back when I was more trusting, I’d skip watering new plants or watering newly seeded lawn and vegetable beds when the weather forecast called for rain. Why waste time and water when Mother Nature was going to do the deed for me?

   Too often, that rain never showed up – even the ones carrying a “100 percent chance” assurance. Then I’d have to scramble/rearrange to get out there and do a job that was more convenient the day before.

   These days, I pay no attention to whether rain is supposedly imminent. I pay no attention to rain that’s already coming down.

   When my plants go in, they get a drink… at least enough to nestle them in their new home.