Graydon

I water when they need it, allowing them to dry down sufficiently between waterings.

It's been hard to figure out a system that works well. My current system is a 4 zone automated timer with misting heads placed for proper root zone coverage. I have taken in to consideration proper soil for optimum drainage. The soil mix now nearly dries out before the system turns on again. It's hot here in Florida so in the evenings I look closely to see if they need to be watered again. As of a week ago they did so at that point I added a third on period. Currently my system comes on at 9:15, 1:15 and 5:15. It only needs to run for about 15 minutes to saturate the soil well allowing water to drain thru the bottom of the pots. It's a 4 zone because some of my trees need to be watered more often than the rest so I have one zone on those trees that come on for a slightly longer duration. They are in a location that is not with the other trees, just on the end of a bench. I always pay attention as the year progresses and make adjustments in the duration and start time. I need to do this roughly 4 times a year.

Watering was a tough thing to figure out but now I have time to do other things with my trees and not hand water morning and evening and some afternoons too.

Great question and at a great time of the year to ask.

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