9 Common Watering Mistakes That Could Kill Your Plants—and How to Avoid Them

Watering your garden may seem as easy as picking up a hose and giving your plants a drink. But not having a set schedule or thought-out watering plan can accidentally stress your plants. When and how often you water your beds and containers is directly correlated to the success of your garden. Watering too much, not at all, or at the wrong time of day can cause wilted leaves, root rot, fungal diseases, and even plant death. To avoid these issues, we spoke to gardening experts who shared the biggest watering mistakes gardeners make—and how to fix them for healthier plants.

Overwatering

One of the most common mistakes gardeners make is overwatering, which blocks oxygen from reaching the roots, causing root rot and other issues that quietly kill plants. "You might notice yellowing leaves or a pot that feels heavy long after watering—those are red flags," says Tabar Gifford, master gardener and partnership cultivator at American Meadows. "A better approach is to water deeply but less often, and always make sure your containers or garden beds have good drainage. It’s about giving roots what they need without drowning them."

Underwatering

On the other hand, giving your plants too little water can also cause issues. Underwatering can dry out the roots of your plants, causing cells to collapse, says Ankit Singh, ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension. He notes that the plants close their stomata to conserve water in drought conditions, stopping photosynthesis and growth. The result? Dry plants with scorched leaves and stunted growth.

Watering at Night

Watering in the evening may help you avoid the heat of the day, but it's not good for your plants. "If you’re watering too late, you’re leaving foliage wet overnight, which creates a perfect environment for fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot," says Gifford. "If evening is your only option, aim for early evening so plants have time to dry before nightfall."

Watering Mid-Day

Watering in the middle of the day may seem like the right move, especially when your plants are drooping in the heat, but resist this urge. "Hot sun and heat cause rapid evaporation, so much less water reaches the roots," says Singh. Instead, Gifford recommends watering your garden in the early morning, when plants get a full drink before the day's heat and the foliage has time to dry.

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Getting the Flowers and Foliage Wet

While it can be hard to avoid, try your best not to get the flowers and foliage of your plants wet. "Prolonged moisture on foliage and flowers provides ideal conditions for fungal and bacterial pathogens," says Singh, adding that flowers with wet petals can collapse quickly. One way to avoid this is to install a drip irrigation system, which delivers water directly to the roots.

Not Watering Deeply

While it's tempting to run outside and give your plants a quick drink of water, this practice is usually a waste of time and water. According to Megan Foster, perennial and bulb expert at American Meadows, shallow watering can negatively impact the root system of your plants, causing them to develop shallow root systems and making them less resilient to longer dry spells. To check if you're watering deeply enough, she says to stick your trowel into the ground. "Is the soil moist several inches below the surface? If not, you may need to rethink your watering scheme," she says.

Using Hard Water

Hard water contains high calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates. Over time, Singh says this will raise the soil pH and leave white salt deposits. Some plants, including azaleas, blueberries, and orchids, are very sensitive to high pH or salts, and can develop yellowing leaves as a result. If hard water is your only option, try flushing your pots and beds with rainwater or distilled water to help reset the soil. "It’s a small step that can make a big difference," Gifford notes.

Inconsistent Watering

Inconsistent watering, such as soaking your plants one week then not watering them at all the next, can wreak havoc on your garden. "Some plants, especially fruits and vegetables, might crack or split from sudden changes in moisture," says Gifford. "Others might drop buds or stop blooming altogether." To stay on a schedule, Gifford recommends installing a drip system or soaker hose on a timer. "It takes the guesswork out of watering and helps your plants stay hydrated even when life gets busy or you’re out of town," she says.

Neglecting Container Drainage

Container plants are finicky when it comes to their watering needs. Ensure your planters have a drainage hole at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. "Pots without holes almost always cause root rot," says Singh.