Another thing you will need is a watering station. You can physically keep the station brimming with water constantly or you can make an automatic watering station. Many hanging baskets will need water every day, and late in the season, they may need water twice a day in open, sunny, or exposed locations! Despite its small size, we are fans of this can for its great aim and reach for all sizes of plants. The long spout makes it comfortable to reach higher hanging plants, plus we love the minimalist brushed metal finish. Although the handle wasn't distinctly ergonomic, it balanced well in our hands and still felt comfortable to hold. Buy a watering can with a large opening to make filling and mixing water-soluble fertilizers easier. It comes with simple, reliable cups that are fully automatic with no triggers or float tabs to worry about. Each cup is about three inches in diameter.

This video from California Gardening provides a helpful and inexpensive recipe for potting mix using peat moss, compost, perlite and worm castings:

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For established houseplants and container plants, watering cans with free-flow spouts are best because the water is directed right into the container with minimal spills. The longer the spout, the more precisely you can aim the water. This is especially important for plants in hard-to-reach locations, as well as plants whose lush foliage obstructs the soil. "A longer spout gives you more control to water smaller pots, and plants that are sensitive to water on the foliage will require a longer spout so you can be more precise and avoid splashing the leaves," says Stark. The system puts water directly on the roots of your plants, where it needs to go. So, you’re not wasting water by dribbling it all over your actual plant. After several years, though, your potting mix will become depleted of nutrients. At this point, you’ll need to start over with a fresh batch. Final Thoughts Plastic bottles work perfectly and you can add these to your traditional in-ground gardens or a raised garden if that’s what you have.

With this in mind, we set up a low-maintenance, low-water garden. Here are a few features of our low-water garden: Imagine a garden that waters itself! If you have a relatively large garden, then you know how long it takes to get water to all of those plants. Our primary goal is to provide you, our reader, with added value and to assist you with your everyday questions and purchasing decisions.

Since plastic is naturally watertight, you’ll need to create small holes for excess water to escape.