Check mix before watering your pots
Whenyou pass your established pots after breakfast
Feel mix below the surface; follow your crop rule. When needed, water slowly to drainage and empty the saucer. Leave moist pots alone. Add a later check in drying weather.
- Choose what fits
Basil · Feel about 1 cm down; water when dry there.
Loose-leaf lettuce · Keep mix evenly moist: water as the surface begins to dry, while it is still moist below.
Tomato · Keep moisture even: water as the upper mix begins to dry; do not wait for wilting.
Start tiny
Feel the mix in one pot; act if it needs water.
SafetyFor established basil, lettuce and tomato, not seeds or drought-loving herbs. Never dry the entire root ball.
University of Minnesota Extension, Growing herbs in home gardens (reviewed 2026). Read the source ↗ University of Minnesota Extension, Fertilizing and watering container plants (reviewed 2026). Read the source ↗ Colorado State University Extension, Growing Container Salad Greens (reviewed June 2023). Read the source ↗ University of Minnesota Extension, Growing tomatoes in home gardens. Read the source ↗ — Documented horticultural practice; cue and dose are editorial adaptations.
Foundation: The load-bearing practices you return to. Build the base and keep it in play.
