A field guide for home
← Back to the journalNOTES ON WATER

Understanding moisture beneath the surface

Practical notes for taking the next sensible step.

01

The surface can mislead

The top of a pot may feel dry while the lower root zone remains wet. Test a little deeper and compare the pot weight before reaching for the watering can.

02

Give water somewhere to go

A container with drainage makes it easier to water evenly and discard the excess. Water should not sit indefinitely inside a decorative outer pot.

03

Observe the next days

Check how quickly the soil changes after a thorough watering. The useful interval is the one your plant and environment produce, not a fixed number on a calendar.

04

Change the routine slowly

After moving a plant to a brighter room, check moisture more often before automatically increasing the amount of water.

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