I Overwatered Everything for 2 Months

I overwatered everything for 2 months. Every plant died. Here’s how I figured it out and what I do now.

What I Did

I watered every day. Morning and evening. Because “plants need water,” right?

What Happened

• Basil: Yellow leaves, then black, then dead.
• Lettuce: Wilting despite wet soil. Root rot.
• Radishes: All leaf, no root.
• Tomato: Blossom end rot.

The Moment I Figured It Out

I pulled a dead basil plant out of its pot. The roots were brown and mushy. They smelled like rot.

I looked it up. Overwatering.

What I Do Now

1. Finger test. Stick finger 1 inch into soil. Dry → water.
2. Bottom water. Keeps the top drier.
3. Drainage. Every pot has holes.
4. Empty saucers. 30 minutes after watering.

What I Learned

Plants don’t need water “every day.” They need water when they’re dry. That’s it.

Related Reading

• How Often Should You Water Seedlings?
• Root Rot: How to Tell and What to Do
• Why Your Soil Stays Wet