Hey Jessica, I can totally relate! I think we have all drowned our poor potted plants at some stage in our gardening journey! Overwatering can be a real challenge with container gardening, but here are a few tricks I have learnt that will help keep your plant babies happy and healthy:
1. Choose the Right Containers: Make sure your containers have drainage holes at the bottom! This allows excess water to escape and prevents water from pooling around the roots, which can cause root rot.
2. Use Well-Draining Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix designed for containers. These mixes are usually lighter and drain better than garden soil. I also sometimes add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage in my pots.
3. Watering Technique: Water your plants thoroughly but less frequently. Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Stick your finger into the soil to check for moisture—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
4. Use Self-Watering Containers: Self-watering containers have a reservoir at the bottom that allows the plant to take up water as needed. This helps maintain consistent moisture levels without the risk of overwatering.
5. Consider Mulching: Adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil can help retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering. Organic mulch, like straw or wood chips, works well or even a layer of dead leaves
Hope this helps! Feel free to check out my article on growing plants indoors for beginners if you’re looking for more info (https://thepotagerproject.com/growing-vegetables-indoors-for-beginners/)
