Watering your plants can often feel like more art than science. Don’t water them enough, and they shrivel up and dry out in the hot summer sun; water them too much, and you end up with root rot. While there’s no one-size-fits-all guide for every garden out there, we’ve gathered a list of some of the most popular plants in Georgia and how much water they generally need. Chances are, you’ve probably got at least a few of these in your own collection.
Roses
When rosebushes are first planted, they require heavy regular watering in order to properly take root. Keep the plants moist for the first few months. Afterward, you can reduce your efforts a bit and water only when the soil around the plants is dry. It’s best to water these plants by hand, rather than with a sprinkler– sprinklers cause the area around the bushes to stay moist all the time, which can encourage disease and pests.
Pansies
Pansies are a popular annual that can bring a quick pop of color into your garden. Many people who plant pansies tend to overwater them. After they’ve been established into the soil, pansies only need about one inch of water each week. Unless your area is going through a particularly dry spell, you can probably let the rain do your watering for you.
Confederate Jasmine
This plant is a beautiful evergreen that will provide year-round enjoyment even after its blooms are long gone. Confederate jasmine does best when it is watered regularly (up to twice a week) and lightly. Make sure that you plant the vine in an area with good soil drainage, as stagnating water can hinder its growth.
Wisteria
Wisteria is a common sight in many areas throughout Georgia, from roadside clusters to vines in many homeowners’ yards. It is a hardy plant and can thrive with almost no real upkeep. It is unlikely that you will need to water wisteria at all– however, if there has been no rain for a week or more, or if your vine is planted in an area that receives heavy sun throughout the whole day, water it lightly once per week.
Daylilies
Your daylilies will bloom much more fully if you provide them with regular waterings. The plants are most active in the spring, and during this season they should be watered until the water reaches about 10 inches into the ground (in other words, be generous with it). Don’t apply water over the heads of your plants, though, as this can cause them to wilt. Instead, you should water the soil directly so that it reaches farther down towards the plants’ roots.
Take into account what your plants need to thrive and by just watching and helping them grow, you can enjoy a beautiful garden in your own backyard.
