Water less, check more

Why the finger test beats any watering schedule.

Plants do not drink on a calendar. Light, season and pot size change how quickly the soil dries out.

Check the soil first

Push a finger into the soil. If it is still damp a few centimetres down, wait another day or two.

Water thoroughly

When you do water, water until it drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer.

Slow down in winter

Shorter days mean slower growth. Most plants need far less water from late autumn to early spring.