Realized I was drowning my tomatoes for months

My cherry tomato plant in the 5-gallon bucket looked sad and yellow all spring. A neighbor in my apartment building, who grows amazing peppers, pointed out my soil was still wet days after watering. I was giving them a full cup every morning, thinking more water meant more fruit. Now I'm letting the top inch dry out completely. How do you guys check if your containers actually need water?

3 comments

3 Comments

sandra_black10d ago

Oh man, I feel your pain. I did the exact same thing with my first pepper plant. Thought I was being a good plant parent and drowned the poor thing. What finally clicked for me was lifting the pot. A dry pot is way lighter than a wet one. So now I just heft the bucket before I even think about the hose. Also, I started using those cheap wood skewers you get at the grocery store. Stick one in the soil, if it comes out damp, I walk away. It sounds silly but it's saved so many plants.

ivanl182mo ago

Oh man, "soil was still wet days after watering" is the biggest clue. I killed a basil plant the same way. The finger test is my go to now, just stick it in an inch deep.

wright.eva2mo ago

Wait, you killed a basil plant from overwatering too? I thought those things were supposed to be thirsty. Mine just gave up and turned into a sad, soggy stick. The finger test is a lifesaver, honestly. I feel like a plant detective now, poking around in the dirt before I even think about the watering can.