Question
Begonia Bulbs
I want to plant them in containers and mostly shade.  I tried them before with no luck. I inspected my failure they were all mushy.  When I tore them apart I seen small white bugs inside.  I had them planted in self watering pots (as they were called) and I had no luck.  I would greatly appreciate your professional advice.

For other plants in general, I have read that if you stick your finger in the dirt up to the second knuckle that it should be moist.  Do you think this is a good idea.  My raised flower beds don't seem to hold water very well and it seems as though they are bone dry each day it gets a little warm around here.  I want to amend the soil and possibly install a drip irrigation system to eliminate the great amount of time that watering takes me each week.  However, when I read about the irrigations systems it refers to watering to the point of al at least 1 inch of water per week.  How does a person determine how long or much wate that would be other than using a rain gauge when overhead watering and I have been told that getting the foliage of the plants wet just encourages disease.
I will gladly answer any more specific questions that you may have in order to better help me.

I thank You Greatly,
  


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Followup To

Question -
I am often times told that I am killing my plants with kindness and that I am very possibly overwatering them.  
Can you give me any advice on a procedure to use for checking to see if I need to water or not.

Answer -
Hi Linda,

A very complicated subject to answer easily.  There are many factors which determine how much water plants need.

E.g.

Temperature
Aspect - Sunny or shady site,  sheltered or exposed?
Plant species - Palms require a lot less water than lettuce.
Soil or container culture.

For me to answer this question better, what kind of plants are you trying to grow and how do you grow them?


Rgds,

Dr Dean Marston.  

Answer
Hi Linda,

You will get this one with experience.  Placing the finger in the soil and gauging moisture is a good watering technique.  

There is a golden rule to watering plants:  Under most circumstance you can bring a plant back from drought but you will not be able to revive a plant that as been over watered.

If I was you I would keep a watchful eye over your plants and water on a need only basis e.g. you see a plant starting wilt - water it.  If the plants are turgid and not wilting do not water.


Rgds,

Dean.