When you are watering plants in containers, you want to make sure that the plant is getting a thorough drink that will sustain it. Therefore, it is important to water the pot thoroughly and ensure to moisten all the compost in the pot.

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Container plants need water, and in hot weather, they need it every day. The ideal way to water is with a gentle spray from a breaker. A breaker is a gardening nozzle that looks like a showerhead and it breaks the flow of water in the hose into dozens of streams that fall without injuring the plant, like a gentle rain.

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Water an average-size pot for about 20 seconds. The pot may fill with water and overflow because the potting mix cannot drain fast enough. Ensure to saturate all the soil in the pot, not only will the plants thank you but it will extend the amount of time until you have to water again.

So, whether you are using a hose or a watering can, water the pot slowly and fill it until you see water coming out of the drainage holes. 

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All attempts should be made to avoid watering during the heat of the day. Watering in full sun is a common garden watering mistake and means a lot of the moisture will evaporate before the plants can benefit from it, and there are fears that any water on the foliage can potentially burn the plants. 

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Traditionally, the best time to water plants in pots is in the morning, as it gives the plants lots of time to take in the moisture before the heat of the day and evaporation occurs. Plants can be watered at late evening when the temperatures are also cooler, however, that does come with increased risks as any water that gets on the foliage will not dry out and increase the potential risk of fungal diseases.