Am I underwatering?

[razzapiggy]

Here is the situation:
7.5 weeks into flower
Sour Diesel
29 plants in 3 gallon pots under 2000 watts
Relative humidity 50-60
Temps never get above 79

I feel like I am underwatering from everything I've read but the plants so no signs of anything like that - they are going wonderfully! At times I have let them go a tiny bit, and you could tell they were thirsty, but that's the absolute worst.

I am giving them about 19-20 gallons over the course of three days.
I water each plant for about thirty seconds with my pump, then take the next day off, then give them another thirty seconds the following night. As I've said, from what I've read they are being way underwatered, but the plants show no signs of anything but beauty! The reason I am concerned is because the more nutrients the plant uptakes, the more it yields I would assume right? Are my plants just holding onto water longer because the temps are cooler than some grow rooms? Any help appreciated.

razzapiggy Reviewed by razzapiggy on 02-12-2007. Am I underwatering? Here is the situation: 7.5 weeks into flower Sour Diesel 29 plants in 3 gallon pots under 2000 watts Relative humidity 50-60 Temps never get above 79 I feel like I am underwatering from everything I've read but the plants so no signs of anything like that - they are going wonderfully! At times I have let them go a tiny bit, and you could tell they were thirsty, but that's the absolute worst. I am giving them about 19-20 gallons over the course of three days. Rating: 5

[bejay]

with your temps and humidity dont really think your are underwatering, it can vary alot from one grow room to the next but if they are growing well and not drooping would just keep using the same schedule.

[razzapiggy]

Yeah, I have done lots of research on growing, and I know that towards the end they can take as much as a gallon per day per plant. I just don't see mine doing that. Right now they are getting like 1/3 of a gallon a day on average - obviously if they drooped at all I would give them more, but if it ain't broke don't fix it type thing I'm guessing?

[razzapiggy]

Anyone else have an opinion? 55 Views so far, pretty basic question - come one, come all, I would love to hear your opinions!

[justaseed]

you should water your plants until you see a bit of runoff out the holes in the bottom then let them dry out almost completely then water the same way again. mj hates to have "wet feet" and that's why the drying out period is so important, it is also the time that the roots do the most growing. also, you should never partially water, always completely wet the soil all the way to the bottom. only giving the plants a "small drink" will cause the roots to turn upwards in search of the moisture and that is not something you want to happen to your plants. another thing to remember is that overwatering is cause by frequency not quantity, meaning you could give a plant 10 gallons of water all at once without any problems but if you give a plant 1 gal every day (and it's not drying out) then that will cause overwatering problems (drooping, root rot, etc.). i hope this helps a bit.

[razzapiggy]

Hey Seed,
Had no idea about the partial waterings and how they are not good for the plants - always appreciate new information from fellow friends on this board. Generally what I do is give them a solid solid watering, and then let them completely dry out as you stated in your post. I will just keep an eye on them, if they start to dry out quicker, I will water more frequently. Appreciate the sound advice. You can check out my grow log too in my sig, going to update some pictures tonight

[justaseed]

sounds like you are doing good. i hope you have a great harvest!

[Zompton]

you should water your plants until you see a bit of runoff out the holes in the bottom then let them dry out almost completely then water the same way again. mj hates to have "wet feet" and that's why the drying out period is so important, it is also the time that the roots do the most growing. also, you should never partially water, always completely wet the soil all the way to the bottom. only giving the plants a "small drink" will cause the roots to turn upwards in search of the moisture and that is not something you want to happen to your plants. another thing to remember is that overwatering is cause by frequency not quantity, meaning you could give a plant 10 gallons of water all at once without any problems but if you give a plant 1 gal every day (and it's not drying out) then that will cause overwatering problems (drooping, root rot, etc.). i hope this helps a bit.

I was wondering about properly watering my plants also and this explained it perfect thanks.

[Maxor420]

I was wondering about properly watering my plants also and this explained it perfect thanks.

Yes, this is excellent. I've wondered about this for almost a year now, and have tried with little success to nail down a true "Best solution".

I've now tried your advice, and it has changed my world..... no more wet feet for my babies!:rastasmoke:

NOTE: The part about not being able to over water with quantity, but with frequency.... helped tons!