Expert: C.L. Fornari - 6/8/2006

Question
reside in west texas and even tho it is very dry and hot i feel we may be overwatering. what are some signs of overwatering? ex: petunias, dianthus,bathelor buttons,geraniums, etc.

Answer
Kathy,
You're not alone!  I think that watering is a challange for many gardeners.  In general, the rule is this: a deep soaking less often is better than a little every day.   When plants get a long, deep watering they develop deep roots and can go longer without water.  Also, this allows the soil surface time to dry out a bit, which is good because disease breeds on constantly moist soil.

The symptoms of over-watering and not enough water (or too shallow water) are similar - the plant wilts.  But overwatered plants often turn yellow as they wilt, but dry plants wilt and then the leaves turn brown, or the edges of the leaves turn brown.

If you water with a sprinkler, make sure it is on long enough to give the garden an inch of rain.  (a rain guage is a great investment)  - then you can go a few days without watering, depending on the temperatures.  

Hand watering is usualy too shallow - avoid it except for containers.

Make sure also that plants are not over-fertilized.  Plants that have been pushed with too much fertilizer are more thirsty than normal.  Annuals can have time-release fertilizer or a liquid feed every three weeks, but perennials and shrubs should have an organic fertilizer applied once a year.

I hope this helps,
C.L.