Q: What do you recommend for determining when to water potted plants (indoor or outdoor)?
Raleigh Burns, email

A: I recommend using a digital moisture gauge, the one that you have on the end of your hand: your index finger. Push it into a houseplant’s soil every week. If it comes out damp, there is no need to water. If it is dry, add water. Plants vary in how much water they need as the seasons change, so it’s impossible to say how often to water every plant. Your digital gauge is the easiest way to tell.