Soil - wet or dry

Hi everyone,
Another really basic question. If, when you water a pot/container, the water comes out the bottom straight away, does it mean the soil is dry or wet?

I reckon it's cos it's (much) too dry but my neighbour said it means it's wet, and she's been 'gardening' for years.

Who's right please?

cheers

 

Usually, if the water runs straight out the bottom, it means the compost has shrunk. So it is much too dry.:thumb:

 

And Davids right

 

Thank you for this Useful post David m8:thumb::thumb::thumb:

 

That's what I thought David. Don't know what she's thinking of. thanks

cheers

 

Slinky, it`s not my post, it`s Borrowers.

 

slinky, might be boring to you but for us beginners if we're told one thing, then the opposite where better to ask than on here.

 

If the compost has shrunk you won't get it wet again, easily, by just watering.

Better to stand the pot in a container full of water for 30 minutes or so, so that the compost can reabsorb moisture, then remove from the "dunk" and treat as normal

 

Kirsten is right there Borrowers , some compost can be virtually waterproof and difficult to wet without soaking.

 

Thank you kristen & smiffy, it was my neighbour (who has gardened for alot of years) that said about her pots "I don't know what's wrong, I watered them & the water went straight through, so they must be wet enough" ????

Good point about going 'up from down under', lol. I'll remember that cos I can get neglectful at times. Thanks

cheers