How to Properly Water Your Indoor Weed

Overwatering is without a doubt, the single most common reason people kill their plants.  Some people do not even realize you can water a plant too much, but trust me, you can.  When I first started out growing weed, I killed countless plants by watering them too much.  I honestly couldn't figure out why they were dying.  Then I read how to grow weed indoors, and it all made sense.  So, I am making this guide to ensure that you don't make the same mistake that I have and overwater your plants.

I used to water my plants if I could touch the surface of the dirt, and not feel moisture.  This was my first mistake.  Just because the surface is dry, does not mean that there isn't enough water beneath the soil.  A good method to see when the soil is dry enough for watering, is to stick your finger in the dirt to the middle knuckle of your finger.  If there is no water down this far, then there isn't any at all.

However, just because the soil is dry, does not mean you should water your plant.  It is still possible to harm the plant.  I will usually use the soil dryness as half of the equation for watering, but there is another factor I always consider before watering my plants.  It is important to make your plants as hardy as possible, and another way to do this, is to not water them until they absolutely need it.  More recently, I have started only watering my plants when the leaves start to turn a lighter shade of green, and wilt slightly.  This tells me that the weed plant is "thirsty".  Watering them this way, ensures they are striving for growth, and they will suck up the water right away.

Before you think you've learned it all, there is one more thing to consider.  Root rot is a very dangerous condition that will easily kill a plant.  Root rot happens when moisture collects at the bottom of the planter, due to improper drainage.  When the root system is developed enough, the roots will sit in the moist soil at the bottom, and will not be able to absorb it due to its low nutrient value.  An easy way to avoid this is to put about 1" of mid-sized gravel in the bottom of your planter.  This will keep all of the excess water at the bottom of the pot.