Here Is Exactly How Often You Should Be Watering Seedlings

Starting seeds at home is a great way to get a jump on the garden season, as well as saving money. One of the most important steps in raising healthy seedlings is watering correctly. Too much water, and you will risk damping off disease or root rot. Too little, and your young plants might wilt or stop growing altogether. The trick is to keep the soil moist, but not too wet, so that the seedlings have enough moisture but are not sitting in water. 

For most seedlings, this means watering daily. Some may require twice-daily watering and others moved to every other day. Each plant and growing environment is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all watering schedule. That's why it is important to check moisture levels several times a day and water lightly when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. 

You can also find out how often you should be watering by checking the weight of your seed trays. If they feel light and the soil is pulling away from the sides, it's time to water. On the other hand, yellowing leaves or heavy seed trays that are sitting in standing water mean you're overdoing it. 

Even with the best intentions, your seedlings can show signs that the watering routine isn't quite right. One of the earliest signs of under-watering is wilting, especially during the warmest part of the day. Dry, cracked soil is another sign that your seedlings need water. If left too long, seedlings may become stunted or develop brown edges on their leaves. On the other end of the spectrum, overwatering tends to cause more subtle, slow-developing problems. Seedlings might look fine at first, but over time, you may find weak, leggy seedlings, leaves turning yellow, or worse, they could collapse from fungal issues like damping off. This soil-borne disease is triggered by excess moisture and poor airflow around seedlings. 

The best tip for watering your plants is to simply observe the soil. If it appears dry and cracked, it's time to water. If there is visible water sitting in the soil, you are watering too much. Lift the tray or pot when you have watered, and check for moisture. The perfect environment for your seedlings is a damp, but not overly soggy potting mix, combined with good air circulation and appropriate lighting to reduce disease risk and encourage strong growth.