Watering question

[cwesto]

I know that the size and vigor of a plant probably have alot to do with how often a plant is watered, so i can imagine watering schedules vary from plant to plant... that being said.

How much water should be used to water a plant in a 5 gal. pot, indoors, under a 400w HPS, that has plent of drainage?? I mean i know there is no one true answer.. but if anyone had any advice or experience in similar conditions i would love to hear about itt.

Thanks all:)

[cwesto]

Dont everyone rush to give ur 2 cents now, we dont need people getting trampled at the door

[Dutch Pimp]

I use 10 inch pots with lots and lots of drainage holes. When my moisture meter tells me the soil is bone dry, I add water, until at least a pint runs out the bottom. I use a layer of vermiculite close to the bottom, so I want it to absorb its fill of water. I don't water again until the moisture meter tells me it's bone dry again...:thumbsup:...this is usually 3-5 days.

Main advantage of a moisture meter probe, it can reach to the bottom of the pot; something, I can't do with my finger.

[Rusty Trichome]

I stick my finger into the pot up to the third knuckle. If it comes out clean, time to water. (like the toothpick in the brownies type of thing)
I also use 10" and 12" pots. 12" is almost 5 gallons, possibly four...not sure.
Anyway, during the summer, my ladies in the outdoor flower room in the big pots can suck-up about 1/2 to 3/4 of a gallon a day. (400w HPS, or so) I live in the desert tho, so humidity is real low. During the winter, it's more like 1/2 gallon every couple of days.
Also, if I lift the pot, and it feels freakishly light, I know I should have watered the day before, lol.
But...I'm a big fan of not overwatering, and dislike cleaning-up overflows, so rarely do I let them get that soggy. (flushes excluded, of course)