I just planted my first herb & veggie garden about 3 weeks ago.

Donna
by Donna
My question is....I read that you should water it 2xs a day. I had to go out of town for a week. Is it ok to leave it without getting watered? Or should I empose a neighbor and ask them to water it for me?
I live in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

  9 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 01, 2018

    they will not survive for that length of time without water

  • Sus7887901 Sus7887901 on May 01, 2018

    You will want to water your new plants, depending on the local weather. Imposing on a gardening neighbor, with the promise to return the favor would be my choice.

  • If in pots, yes you would need someone to come in once a day to check. If in ground I would still get a neighbor to check every couple of days and water as necessary. Watering twice a day seems a bit much, but it depends on how much water they were actually receiving. Either way, I would get a neighbor to check, bring them a nice gift to thank them.

  • Pjo26908388 Pjo26908388 on May 01, 2018

    It depends on how dry and hit the weather is. If the temperature is 60 degrees or less than a once while your way should work. If the temp zooms up to 90 then they do need water once or twice a day.


    Check the ground and see how it is holding moisture, most gardens do fine with once a day or less. (Overwatering can cause root rot and mold.)


    So so the real answer is "it depends".

  • Janice Janice on May 01, 2018

    Better to have someone check on the moisture level. The first few weeks after planting are the most important.

    • Donna Donna on May 01, 2018

      I definitely will. This is my first garden and I am very proud of how well it's doing. Thanks

  • Or you could sink plastic bottles in the soil. Put tiny holes in it then bury it. Leave the mouth exposed so you can fill it with water. I travel for work and I don't really have neighbors to water for me.

  • Sweet Image Sweet Image on May 01, 2018

    if it's been in for 3 weeks, it SHOULD be ok for a week, just water well before you leave and make sure it's one of your first chores when u return!

  • Also, you shouldn't have to water twice a day unless it's super hot outside

  • The best way to tell how much water your soil holds is to dig a hole maybe 8-10 inches. If it's moist then you dont need to water. Stick your finger in the dirt under a plant and feel it. The best advice I ever got for watering- plants like their soil like we like our cake! Moist, but not wet