Foolproof method for avoiding overwatering on auto seedlings in their definitive pots

It's all relative to plant size. When they're a seedling they don't have much root growth so it's much easier to water them through moisture absorption. You can achieve this by covering them with a clear plastic dome and spray inside, do this until their first or second set of leaves appear. And just a dribble of water around the plant, after a couple of weeks slowly increase the levels of water required. You can also get auto watering pots but I've never used them personally. 🌱👍

Have 30 to 40 percent perlite from course to fine in mix or have growstone the same in mix. Other 60 to 70 percent what you want. If coco coir have cal mag ready on next grow. Good luck and happy growing. Never leave plant in run off water. Always remove excess. 🌲🌲🌲👊

I'm extremely OCD when it comes to watering - probably to the point of overkill. I use a Blumat Digital tensiometer (available on Amazon for around ) to determine soil moisture levels. I have found the Blumat sensor to be to be quite accurate. I then use the soil moisture numbers provided by the Blumat to determine what watering schedule I want to be on - once they're past the seedling stage I like to water every other day. In addition to the Blumat, I keep a digital scale in my grow room and I actually weigh my plants daily. Between the Blumat and the scale I've been able to really dial in my watering. For example, at their current stage of growth, in 5 gallon buckets using Fox Farms Coco Loco soil I water my plants every 2 days to a weight of 24 pounds. Typically, after 2 days have passed their weight will have dropped to around 18 pounds, so I water them back up to 24. The Blumat tells me if the weight range is providing enough water to ensure the soil is always adequately moist. Doing all this keeps my plants on a consistent 2 day cycle where they go from being slightly overwatered to slightly under-watered. Of course, over time as the plants grow and are transpiring more water, the upper weight value needs to be raised - the Blumat lets me know when the upper number in the weight range has become too dry and needs to be increased. As needed, I just increase my upper weight/watering by amount by 1 pound (which equals 1 pint of water). For me this method has proven to be foolproof. Did I mention I suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder! LOL Good luck with your grow!

Can you go to using fabric pots? Those almost never get overwatering and they dry quicker if they do get high watering...plus they air prune the roots. But if you're using hard containers, then I'd make sure you always have good airflow over the soil area, and then you can try lifting the pots too see how light they are before watering, or always rub your fingers into the top inch or two and check for moisture before watering.

Honestly, the hardest thing about watering seedlings is patience and trust. Plant your seedling in moist soil and don't water it for a few days. Sometimes 5 to 7 days if it dries slow. So have patience in watering often. And trust that there is enough moisture below your soil. At worse if it gets too dry they'll become limp. If you watch them on an hourly is basis. You'll catch it ,water it and it'll spring back in an hour. Best to underwater than overwater

Hi Growmie, i had the same issue with my first season hopefully these tips can help you out a little bit 😁 - I use 3GL (10-L) fabric pot from germination to Flower ( i germinate directly in the soil so far 100% ) never failed me - I always use the lift the pot method worked really well i've never overwatered my plants when i used the method ( my girls we're always nice and moist ) - when i water, I usually water around the plant and will water a little bit where the plants are hope this helps Growmie. Happy growing. Feel free to message me anytime happy to help.