Watering Rhythm

  • Soak-then-rest: water until a little runs out the base, then wait until the top 2–3 cm is dry.
  • Finger test: dry knuckle-deep? Water. Still damp? Wait a day.
  • Pot weight: lift the pot — light = needs water, heavy = not yet.
Morning wins: leaves dry quickly, less slug activity, reduced scorch.

Smart Setups

Capillary Trays & Mats

  • Place pots on a moist mat in a shallow tray.
  • Refill 2–3× weekly in summer; shade the tray to reduce evaporation.

Gravity Drip from One Reservoir

  • 25–40 L box feeds 4–8 drippers; add a simple inline filter.
  • Ideal for stacks and rail troughs.

Mulch

  • 2–3 cm layer of fine bark, straw or coco coir reduces watering by ~25%.
  • Keep mulch 2 cm from stems to avoid rot.

Shade

  • 30–40% mesh slows evaporation without stopping airflow.

Feeding Basics

Plant typeWhen to feedWhat to use
Leafy herbs & saladsLight weekly once establishedGeneral liquid feed at half strength
Fruit crops (tomato, chilli)Start at first flowers, then weeklyHigh-potash tomato feed
Hungry ornamentals (dahlia, zinnia)Weekly in bloomBalanced liquid feed; occasional seaweed
Woody herbs (rosemary, thyme)Monthly in summerVery light general feed; don’t overdo
Avoid salt build-up: give a clear-water flush every 4–6 weeks if you use liquid feeds often.

Troubleshooting

  • Yellow leaves, wet compost: you’re overwatering — extend gaps and improve drainage.
  • Brown tips, dry compost: inconsistent watering — soak thoroughly, then mulch.
  • Pale growth, green veins: possible iron deficiency in high-pH water — add chelated iron or switch to rainwater.