Using skewers to determine when to water

[Chunky_Punk]

I am so glad I started doing this. I've been consistently surprised how often I incorrectly read the moisture deep in the medium, based on my observations of the bark surface, pot weight, etc. The skewers are great confirmation of what's going on in the pot. And I found big packs of them in my seasonal grocery store aisle for a whopping 9 (nine!) cents a pack!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Chunky_Punk

I am so glad I started doing this. I've been consistently surprised how often I incorrectly read the moisture deep in the medium, based on my observations of the bark surface, pot weight, etc. The skewers are great confirmation of what's going on in the pot. And I found big packs of them in my seasonal grocery store aisle for a whopping 9 (nine!) cents a pack!

Right? My orchid growing improved A LOT when I started using skewers

Wow! 9 cents??? Awesome!

[PaphLover]

I have used this method, but am always worried about damaging the roots of the plant when I poke the skewers in. I find it hard to tell when they're potted in bark if I'm hitting bark or root. Thoughts?

[silken]

Originally Posted by PaphLover

I have used this method, but am always worried about damaging the roots of the plant when I poke the skewers in. I find it hard to tell when they're potted in bark if I'm hitting bark or root. Thoughts?

I find a place where it shoves in fairly easy. Sometimes takes a few tries. I assume I am not likely hitting a root. Then it stays there. When I pull it out and check how wet or dry, it goes back in the very same place. Often when done a few times, you can quite easily see where you had it as there is a little hole. Even if you did stab the odd root, I think the benefit outweighs the disadvantage.

[PaphLover]

Quick reply! Thanks silken.

[Plant Happy]

Great tip, Colette!

[silken]

I've been using this method for a long time and even if you think the pot is lightweight and dry, it often isn't in the centre and bottom. I quit causing root rot when I started using skewers.

[dangerouseddy]

having quiet a few holes in my pots does mean I find the skewer method tricky, especially when the plants are in flower.

still I haven't killed a plant for a while

[silken]

Originally Posted by dangerouseddy

having quiet a few holes in my pots does mean I find the skewer method tricky, especially when the plants are in flower.

still I haven't killed a plant for a while

I always have quite a few holes which means the drying in centre and bottom of the pot is a little more even. Not sure why that is a problem for the skewer or when blooming? Do they fall thru? Mine don't but I don't push them right thru to the very bottom.

[dangerouseddy]

think I may be letting them get a bit too dry before I water them, especially when in bloom when they need more water.

for me the outer edge of the media is dry for a few days before the middle especially for the ones under the t5's.

I'm not too good at judging the amount of moisture on the skewer and am bit fuzzy on just how dry it should be before watering.

still its better than having a soggy root ball

yes sometimes the skewers do fall through mostly when I'm putting them back in the pot, its not much of a problem though


overall I still recommend it as a good method for checking the amount of moisture in the pot