This page is going to be an attempt to collect together all of the information we know (or think we know) about watering our current batch of plants. The information here may or may not be correct, so use it to water your own plants at your own risk. XD We’ll make updates to this page if we decide to change our watering tactics for any specific plants.
Plant-by-Plant Specifics
Azaleas
Water 2-3 times per week in dry weather until they are established. Water established plants with about 1 inch of water every 10-14 days during dry weather.
Blueberries
During first two years of growth, they need 1-2 inches of water/week. They prefer to get soaked with water and then dry out, so ideally would water 1-2 times per week during the first year. After that, if it rains an inch every 10 days, you don’t need to water them yourself.
Corydalis
Water a few times per week for the first season. Once established, once per week is fine, but they are tolerant to drought conditions.
Corsican Sandwort
Water weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
Creeping thyme
Make sure soil remains moist in the first few weeks as they get established (so maybe every other day watering), and then after their first year, cut back on watering (maybe once/twice per week).
Nectarine Tree
Water thoroughly every 10 – 14 days for the first year. After the first year, it probably won’t need much water unless there’s a drought.
Strawberries (Garden varieties)
Water daily during fruit-bearing season, but the soil should be moist and not soggy.
Strawberries (Groundcover/Beach variety)
Keep the soil moist while being established, but once established they should do okay on their own, since this plant is actually native to our area!
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are drought-tolerant, but they do better if they receive regular watering, so they can be watered daily. The soil should be moist, but not soggy.
Vinca
Water every other week or if it’s been a very hot/dry weather. They are very drought tolerant.
Violas
We have volunteer violas in our backyard. They should generally be okay on their own, but they could use a little extra water in dry conditions.
Current Watering Schedule
All of our plants are in the “getting established” phase at this point. So here is what our current watering schedule will look like.
Daily
The raised beds and sunflowers should be watered daily if it’s not raining.
Bi-weekly
Azaleas, blueberries, corydalis, creeping thyme, and the groundcover strawberries should get water twice per week. The blueberries need 1-2 inches of water per week, so they should get a good soaking when they are watered.
Weekly
Corsican sandwort and nectarine tree. Nectarine tree needs a good soaking when it is watered.
Occasional Watering
Vinca can be watered every other week or if it’s been very hot/dry.