toms chilli and peppers

[janto]

for containers is it best to water over the foliage on the soil
or under in water trays, all are in 12" pots

[terrier]

I always water from underneath so the plants take up only as much as they require. Also you don't want to risk water splashes on the lower leaves.

[COMPOST CORNER]

I mostly water in the evening, so the leaves have chance to dry before the sun hits them.

[crichmond]

I think it depends when you are watering them, if you are watering during the day then from below is the only way especially if it is a sunny day, however if it evening then watering from above isnt too big a problem. But as said above the best way is from below as the plant takes what it needs and not more, whereas watering from above may give the plant more or less water than it actually wants hence why I use the autopot plant system which uses a float valve to water every individual plant. Thats me being lazy of course as I only have to top up the header tank once a week.

[Two_Sheds]

from below, always.

[veggielover]

every tom, chilli, pepper and aubergine plant i have all have a small pot or bottle top planted next to it....... i put the water into this and thus water goes straight to roots.

[dandamegs]

Just to go against the flow a little

I have always watered from the top, and fed from the bottom.

All the pots are left with an inch or two gap below the rim, and basically fill the gap until it runs out of the drain holes. Keeps the foliage dry as well.

When feeding, straight to the roots from below

[adamS]

Janto, be careful, chilli plants, if over watered can create bitter chillies if you overwater them, I find it's best to let them take up water they have, then give them more (i.e. don't let it get bone dry, but not always wet if you get my drift) - some people swear by misting the plant to encourage flower growth (and thus more fruit) , so maybe consider that as well as watering the soil ?