Watering is fundamental, but the "how often" depends greatly on whether your plants are in urban planter boxes or in the ground. The core difference lies in root space and soil volume. In-ground plant roots can spread deep and wide to seek moisture, making them more drought-tolerant. Planter boxes, however, have limited soil that dries out faster due to exposure on all sides, leading to quicker evaporation and more frequent watering needs.
Typically, planter boxes may require watering daily or every other day during hot, sunny, or windy weather. In-ground plantings might only need a deep soak once or twice a week under similar conditions. The key is to check the soil. For containers, insert your finger about an inch deep. If it's dry, it's time to water. For in-ground plants, check 2-3 inches down. Always water deeply until it runs from the drainage holes for containers or until the ground is moist several inches down for in-ground beds, encouraging strong root growth.
Factors like plant type, box material (terracotta dries faster than plastic), sun exposure, and season all play a role. Using mulch on top of the soil in both scenarios can significantly conserve moisture. Ultimately, observing your plants and checking soil moisture is more reliable than a fixed schedule.