Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 20 hours ago
Products → howtowithdoc.com/watering
Doc talks about hot dry weather and when to water your lawn and garden. It's important to understand the "wet / dry cycle" and how that can benefit your lawn and gardens. During hot humid weather fungus is bound to show up and he talks about dealing with fungus issues.
Wet / Dry Cycle
It is generally healthy for most soils to dry out somewhat between waterings. This allows for better oxygen circulation to the roots and helps prevent root rot. However, the extent to which the soil should dry out varies depending on the plant type and soil composition.
Here's why drying out is beneficial:
Oxygen for Roots:
When soil is constantly wet, it can become waterlogged, limiting the amount of oxygen available to plant roots. This can lead to root rot and other issues.
Root Growth:
Allowing the soil to dry slightly encourages roots to grow deeper in search of water, making plants more resilient to drought.
Nutrient Availability:
Soil drying can help release nutrients that might be locked up when the soil is constantly wet.
How to determine if your soil needs watering:
Finger Test:
Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's likely time to water.
Soil Type:
Sandy soils drain quickly and may need more frequent watering than clay soils, which retain moisture longer.
Plant Type:
Some plants prefer consistently moist soil, while others, like succulents, thrive with periods of dryness.
Moisture Meters:
For more accurate readings, especially in larger pots, consider using a moisture meter.
When to avoid letting soil dry out completely:
Seedlings: Newly planted seedlings may need more frequent watering to establish their roots.
Some Moisture-Loving Plants: Certain plants, like ferns, prefer consistently moist soil.
Very Dry or Sandy Soils: Extremely dry or sandy soils can become hydrophobic, meaning they repel water, making it difficult to rehydrate the soil.
Products → howtowithdoc.com/watering
Doc talks about hot dry weather and when to water your lawn and garden. It's important to understand the "wet / dry cycle" and how that can benefit your lawn and gardens. During hot humid weather fungus is bound to show up and he talks about dealing with fungus issues.
Wet / Dry Cycle
It is generally healthy for most soils to dry out somewhat between waterings. This allows for better oxygen circulation to the roots and helps prevent root rot. However, the extent to which the soil should dry out varies depending on the plant type and soil composition.
Here's why drying out is beneficial:
Oxygen for Roots:
When soil is constantly wet, it can become waterlogged, limiting the amount of oxygen available to plant roots. This can lead to root rot and other issues.
Root Growth:
Allowing the soil to dry slightly encourages roots to grow deeper in search of water, making plants more resilient to drought.
Nutrient Availability:
Soil drying can help release nutrients that might be locked up when the soil is constantly wet.
How to determine if your soil needs watering:
Finger Test:
Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's likely time to water.
Soil Type:
Sandy soils drain quickly and may need more frequent watering than clay soils, which retain moisture longer.
Plant Type:
Some plants prefer consistently moist soil, while others, like succulents, thrive with periods of dryness.
Moisture Meters:
For more accurate readings, especially in larger pots, consider using a moisture meter.
When to avoid letting soil dry out completely:
Seedlings: Newly planted seedlings may need more frequent watering to establish their roots.
Some Moisture-Loving Plants: Certain plants, like ferns, prefer consistently moist soil.
Very Dry or Sandy Soils: Extremely dry or sandy soils can become hydrophobic, meaning they repel water, making it difficult to rehydrate the soil.
