Watering through Kathmandu's seasons

Most potted plants are lost to too much water, not too little. The simplest test is your finger: push it two knuckles into the soil, and water only when it comes out dry.

Monsoon (June to September)

Rain and humidity keep soil wet for days. Water outdoor pots only when the top soil is dry, empty saucers after heavy rain, and make sure every pot has a drainage hole.

Winter (December to February)

Growth slows in the cold, so plants drink far less. Water in the late morning so leaves and soil are not left cold and wet overnight, and cut back on succulents and cacti almost entirely.

Spring and pre-monsoon (March to May)

Warm, dry and windy days dry pots quickly. Check them daily, water deeply until it drains from the bottom, and add a layer of mulch to hold moisture.