What does it mean for a plant to become established?

[gardennoobe]

I have started a container garden on my deck and the card on my flowers says to water daily until established, then only water when soil is dry. What does established mean?

[opabinia51]

Well, you have just placed the plant in the soil and it's root system is very shallow, as time goes by, the roots will take up most or all of the pot. That is when it can be said to be established.

Give it a few months.

Though, I wouldn't water everyday unless the plant needs it, check the soil first, if it is still wet then, it doesn't need to be watered. If it is starting to dry, then it needs to watered. Plants don't work on schedules, like we do. So, watering is not as simple as watering every day or some other scheme.

Good luck with your pots!

(Usually, pots need to watered everyday but, it's best to check)

[gardennoobe]

Thank you so much. In fact, I have been watering my plants everyday and my marigolds have started to droop. I will make sure to check the soil first from now on.