Do plants need water everyday even if the soil is moist?

[Nick Blair]

The soil seems to stay moist long in a geenhouse.

[Jeanied]

Greenhouse soil can dry out very rapidly so keep a close eye on it -especially if you have things in pots. Watch the foliage as plants droop when thirsty - and tapping pots or feeing if they are light is also an indicator.
Open ground is different - you want the roots to go deep to find water and food - so a good soak less frequently is better than a daily watering.

[teakdesk]

There are as many different watering techniques as there are members here!!

For me, no I do not water every day... far from it.

I know ('cos someone not very far from me does it!!) that a little water often can result in the top of the soil or compost staying wet whilst the compost underneath is very dry.

In pots the compost down below can become very dry, hard and compacted and takes a long time to rectify. The same can be true for greenhouse borders.

I prefer to wait until the top inch of the compost is dry (stick a finger in) or the pot is lighter when lifted and then give a good soaking.

If possible water from the bottom of the pot by standing them in water.

[rustylady]

The soil seems to stay moist long in a geenhouse.

Absolutely not. If the soil is moist then there is no need to water.

[burnie]

Of course it does depend on what you are growing and how far they are into their growing cycle.
What type of soil you have will make a difference.I am on the coast and my soil is very light and sandy,so I have to water outside a lot,even in Scotland.
Try digging a hole and see how far you go before the soil is dry.I did this and went down three feet and it was still dry,so the old adage of let the roots find water doesn't work one hundred percent(yes I am adding lots of organic material to try and increase the water retention,it's been a very neglected garden.)

[Nick Blair]

I am useing compost.

[Jeanied]

A succinct- but enigmatic response, Nick. What kind of compost?

[Two_Sheds]

water from the bottom of the pot by standing them in water.

That's the best way, imo. It also helps prevent problems like green algae on the surface and fungus gnats

[Nick Blair]

A succinct- but enigmatic response, Nick. What kind of compost?

I don't know but I bought at BnQ, I think it is for vegetables.

[Jeanied]

Is it soil based or peat based, Nick? If it is peaty then it mustn't dry out as it is difficult to get wet again, unless you try the drop of washing up liquid in the can trick.