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California Gardening

when do plants have enough moisture

18 years ago

I have new azaleas and gardenias just planted. They had the drip irrigation set for 3 minutes a day every day when planted. I left it at that setting for 10 days and then I shut down the irrigation waiting for an indication from my moisture meter that it was losing moisture before I start irrigating again. After 10 days without irrigation the moisture meter still indicates a maximum moisture reading. A stick in the ground also indicates moisture is still there. How long should I wait before turning on the irrigation again? Should I wait until I get a lower reading on my moisture meter or just go ahead and start irrigating again? I am concerned that I might not be providing enough irrigation to these new plants yet I don't want to drown them. Please help me.

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Comments (4)

calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
18 years ago
So much has to do with the texture of your soil it is impossible to give you an answer with any credibility. If you have confidence in the accuracy of your moisture meter and you see no sign of wilting I would not resume watering. I would also wonder about the soil drainage and perhaps rethink your drip settings. Al
Heathen1
18 years ago
It's true about the soil, but azaleas like it on the dry side. Freshly planted baby azaleas can take more moisture, but on the whole, they are dry shade plants.
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jean001
18 years ago
Please also see your other post w/same questions at
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/calif/msg0419215129796.html?1

Here is a link that might be useful: your other post
jean001
18 years ago
Also see your 3rd post at
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/calif/msg0422314122326.html?1

It's best to keep your questions about the same problem/plant/issue on the same thread.

If you happen to have a 2nd thought in short order, you can always add another post to that original thread by changing the subject line, even though ever so slightly.

Here is a link that might be useful: your 3rd post

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