What is the "lift the pot" method?

Watering container plants can be a tricky task, especially for beginners. Over-watering or under-watering can lead to various problems and affect the health of your plants. The "lift the pot" method is a widely practiced and highly accurate technique to determine when your potted plants need watering. In this article, we will explain how this simple method works and how you can master it to keep your container plants healthy and thriving.

Step-by-Step Guide to the "Lift the Pot" Method

1. Prepare a sample pot: Get an equal-size pot and fill it with your soil. The medium should be about as moist as a new bag of potting soil. Use this planter as a learning tool to get a rough idea of how much the pots should weigh before watering again.
2. Compare the weight: The pots with your plants will feel only just slightly heavier when the soil is ready for more water. Pick up one of your planted pots; if it's noticeably heavy, do not water it until it feels "light." Next time you water a planter, pick it up and feel how much heavier it feels compared to the sample pot of soil.
3. Develop your intuition: It only takes a few times picking up the pots until this skill becomes like "second nature" to you. You won't even need the sample pot after you get accustomed to the lifting method.
4. Compensate for plant growth: Sure, your plants are always putting on more weight as they grow larger, but once you're proficient at lifting the pots, you'll also know how to compensate for the weight of the plants with ease.

Benefits of the "Lift the Pot" Method

• Simple and easy to learn
• Highly accurate in determining when to water
• Helps prevent over-watering or under-watering
• No additional tools or equipment needed
• Develops your intuition and understanding of your plants' needs

Conclusion

The "lift the pot" method is a simple and effective technique that anyone can learn to accurately determine when to water their container plants. By practicing this method and developing your intuition, you can ensure that your plants receive the right amount of water at the right time, promoting their health and growth. So, give it a try and experience the benefits of this tried-and-tested watering technique.