Starter plants and new shrubbery?

We have been getting our planting done around the house and landscaping as the previous owners did not care for yard work. My question is this, I read on all of the tags in the flowers and shrubs that they need to be watered daily until they take. My brother in law once again is telling me I am wrong which he seems to enjoy doing. We have planted seeds in the garden as well as starter plants, we planted two hydrangeas a rhododendrun and two cherry trees in the back yard. There are also bedding plants in the back. We planted two small shrubs in the front a rhododendrun and a japanese split leaf maple. There are also three hanging baskets with petunias. Am I correct that these need to be watered everyday?

Starter plants and new shrubbery?
As a general rule, yes you should be watering daily. But there are always exceptions. The important thing is that you need to take into account the weather, what type of soil you have and how much direct sun you get in each location.





Before watering, dig down about 8 inches to get a good idea of how much moisture is in your soil near the root level. If the soil clumps when you pinch it, you have adequate moisture. If the soil is dry or crumbly, you need to water. Areas that only receive partial sun may only need to be watered every other day.





Your hanging baskets will probably always require daily watering (especially in the summer) because baskets have so much more exposure to air and light; they can dry out very quickly.





Here's a link to a website that discusses watering newly planted trees, and describes how to recognize signs of over-watering. I didn't have a fancy attachment for my hose like they show when I planted my Japanese maples, but I can see how it would be useful for watering near the roots. http://coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Trees/...





So, you can tell your brother-in-law that you watering your new plantings appropriately. Just be careful to not over-water.
Reply:They may not need actual watering everyday, but make sure the soil is moist and does not dry out. Split the difference, you're both right...kinda, sorta
Reply:The rhodos roots are very near the surface so they need water very frequently. The cherry trees need about the same until their root systems are establsihed (about 6 months). I would say all others about 2-3 inches of water a week. Water the roots not the foliage.
Reply:Well that answer depends on several things. Like where you live, such as dry,desert area, hot, humid area etc. What kind of soil, in the ground or a pot. How much it rains each day. What kind of plant it is. So you see you could both be right. My general rule of thumb is 1 inch/week. But when they are newly planted they usually need more water until they are established. However, potted plants dry out much more quickly than plants in the ground. Keep a close eye on these, especially if it's particularly windy or hot.