How Often Do I Water My Basil Plants in a Planter?

Soil Moisture Qualities

• Rich, well-drained soil alleviates concerns about soggy soil and may also reduce the need for frequent watering. Sandy soils drain quickly, requiring more frequent irrigation. Clay soils retain too much moisture and may cause basil roots to rot. Working compost into poor soils helps improve the moisture qualities of the bed. Potting soils containing compost or peat moss help retain the proper amount of moisture in pots.

Watering Beds

• The soil for bed planted basil must remain moist at a 6-inch depth so the plant's roots don't dry out. Watering once every week to 10 days usually provided enough moisture for the plants, though they may need more frequent watering during hot, dry weather. Feeling the soil every three to five days and watering before it dries out to the 6-inch depth helps determine the accurate frequency for irrigation. Deep watering, which provides 1 to 2 inches of water, further helps prevent the need for frequent watering.

Watering Pots

• Outdoor pots of basil dry out more quickly than beds. Watering frequency is best determined by checking the soil daily and watering when the top inch feels dry. Pots have received enough moisture once the water begins draining from the bottom drainage holes. Container-grown basil usually needs watering every one to two days, but they may need watered as frequently as twice a day during dry or hot weather. Indoor pots usually require watering every three to five days, depending on the temperature and dryness in the home.

Mulch and Watering Frequency

• Mulches helps retain moisture in the soil by insulating the soil from heat and evaporation. Mulching over garden beds may diminish the necessary frequency or amount of water needed to keep the basil plants healthy. Pot-grown basil can also benefit from a thin mulch layer applied over the soil surface, though the pots will still need more frequent watering than garden beds.