Question
QUESTION: Hi Mike

I've been hearing wonderful things about a self-watering pot and how they can help regulate watering uptake.  however, I have some questions!  I am planting tomatoes.

1. What happens if the tomato is newly transplanted, or doesn't have roots long / deep enough to get to the reservoir? Do you keep watering from the top?

2. What's the best way to get water into the reservoir - would you fill it up by watering the tomato from the top?

3. If the roots can't reach the reservoir and I've been watering from the top, will the water in the reservoir just sit there, and can disease arise as a result?

4. Once the reservoir water IS being used, does that mean you completely stop watering from the top, and let the plant draw water only as it needs?  Won't that make the top soil quite dry?

Thanks Mike



ANSWER: Watering from the bottom is definitely preferable for several reasons. For new plants, this process will not disturb the roots. Most importantly, by watering from below, it forces the roots straight down into the subsoil rather than reaching for the surface to get nutrients. It also helps prevents over-watering, the primary reason for plants doing poorly.

Keep in mind that once roots are established, the top soil is no longer important since the roots are already down. As a matter of fact, I always tell questioners inquiring about watering their house plants that containers should not be watered until the top 1.5"-2" of the soil is dry. Even when watering from the bottom, this is a good rule-of-thumb for all plants.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Mike

I have another (unrelated to pots) question...I transplanted my seedlings the other weekend (some into SW pots :)).  However, it's been raining and raining and raining endlessly for the last 5 days (i'll say at least 20-30mm a day).  I gave my seedlings a good watering when I transplanted them, and I honestly don't think that water's evaporated yet because the soil is still damp. The air is now very humid because of all the rain.

I've been moving my pots away from the balcony edge so the tomatoes don't get as much rain - is this a good idea?  Does lots of rain affect tomatoes - can it drown / overwater them for example?  My potting mix is top-quality and drains quite well.  However, to be constantly wet like this...?

Answer
Although plants definitely need a period in which the soil dries out, the main thing is that the potting soil is loose and airy and that the pots have holes for drainage. As long as the soil is just moist and not soaked to the point there is water laying on the surface, the plants will do fine. This is all part of a normal cycle.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mike