Question
I am a first time gardener & am growing in containers out on my porch. It's been very hot so I've watered everyday but have lost some plants. I plan to bring them inside come fall & realize their watering requirements will be less. Do you know of any products that I can stick into each containers' soil that will show me if I need to water? I have 10 plants so I can't pay a lot. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Christine, there are products out there , but they are not worth the price, for they only show you when a certain area dries out and usually by that time the plant is already stressed; that said, what I recommend is know your particular plants drought tolerance, for some plants can go longer without water then others and those , you can put in an area that gets the hotter afternoon Sun, while the ones that like a moist soil base can be relegated to an area that puts them in Morning Sun but Afternoon shade. Finally, use Miracle-Grow moisture control potting mix, a little more expensive, but it allows your plants to go further before needing to be watered. Mulching your containers with about 2 inches of mulch will also help the soil base from drying out to quickly, and always put about 2 inches of pebbles in the bottom of the pot before putting you soil in, this allows water to settle away from the roots and the soil will pull it up as needed , this avoids the roots sitting in the water and possibly rotting.  When you water, water until you see the water coming out the drainage holes, this assures that the entire roots system has been saturated, then don't water again until you can stick your index finger completely down into the soil and find its dry, and you see the drainage holes somewhat dry also.  Then water thoroughly again. Good luck with your new adventure Christine and if I can help you out again, by all means come visit again the site. Happy gardening...Nick