Inspect the bottom of the container for drainage holes if you purchase pre-potted petunias. Transplant the petunias to a new container if the pot doesn't contain at least one drainage hole. Lack of drainage causes overly wet soil and root problems.
Stick your finger 2 to 3 inches into the soil near the base of the plants daily. Irrigate the containers when the top inch of soil feels dry, but before the soil dries out at the 2-inch depth.
Pour the water from a watering hose or a watering can near the base of the plants so you don't wet the petunia foliage. Apply water until the excess drips from the bottom of the container.
Dissolve a soluble balanced fertilizer in a gallon of water. Use the amount of fertilizer recommended on the fertilizer label. Water the petunias with the fertilizer solution every two weeks.