Column: The Garden Corner — that’s an excellent question

By Jonn Karsseboom, Rebel Leader and President, The Garden Corner

I’ll never forget her. She was a busy school administrator with years of experience, the kind of amazing professional who could handle big-picture goals and hundreds of tiny details with the efficiency of a ray of sunlight crossing deep space. While the rest of us were stuttering over tying our shoelaces, she had emailed, cc’d, set up several meetings, and checked in on the progress of teams on strategic planning initiatives. 

Her question to me about gardening was to the point: “I love an accomplished garden,” she began, “so what’s the least amount I could do in my garden that would make the biggest difference?”

Her question, I thought, was brilliant. It was clearly an insight for me into the daily pressures of gardeners everywhere. We all love and enjoy a well-curated, sustainable garden, but doggone it, life can get very busy. And with that, our houseplants, our landscape plants, our containers, and hanging baskets can all suffer.

My answer? On this day, and much to my own surprise, it was also concise and to the point: “Learn how to water.”

If you think about it, the simple act of watering never comes with explicit instructions. It’s not a question that is ever fully answered, especially after my recent internet searches, including, not to anyone’s surprise, many prompts from several AI chatbots. I think the confusion stems from the printed words on the backs of plant tags everywhere: “Water regularly.”

What does that even mean?

But, on the other hand,  if you can learn this, if you can master this simple act in the garden, plants everywhere, inside the house and outside, will begin to thrive. Happy plants are a definite mood boost for everyone involved, including, but not limited to, the passing-by dog walkers, significant others, toddlers, moody teenagers (and other wildlife), not to mention how it’s a sure-fire boost in confidence for the gardener.

First, a gardener’s disclaimer: If you’re happy with the way your garden is growing, keep going.

No need to listen to me.

Let’s start with your hanging baskets because, well, The World’s Largest Hanging Basket, is, ahem, why we are famous. Most gardeners begin their spring garden journey with 10-inch and, hopefully, 12-inch hanging baskets. The more soil a container holds, the more water and nutrients it holds, giving your plants a better chance at a good life. April is the craziest month for a water regimen because it can rain like crazy for much of the month, yet still have those glorious 70-degree days. My rule? Any day it’s 70  degrees (or higher) is a day when you apply three gallons of water.

Three gallons. Not one gallon or two, but three full. (it’s a little more than a toilet flush). This is habit-training because, as the weather warms, it becomes even more important. The time of day? Not important as long as it’s consistent. Changing the time of day mid-course could make a difference – like 12 hours without water. Yes, much of it will run out of the basket, but because of the nature of potting soil and roots, it’s important to give it a thorough soak.

For those of you concerned about “over-watering,” don’t be. It’s nearly impossible to over-water a hanging basket. Interested in the rest of the story? Sign up for our free newsletter at www.thegardencorner.com. While you’re at it, and for a free latte or mocha while you shop, go to the app store and search “The Garden Corner Store.” 

Jonn Karsseboom loves all garden questions: Email him at Jonn@thegardencorner.com