Meaning
To provide water to plants to help them grow.
Cultural Background
Gardening is a major national pastime. During 'hosepipe bans' in hot summers, watering the plants becomes a topic of serious public debate and neighborly surveillance. The 'Plant Parent' trend among Millennials and Gen Z has made watering plants a symbol of adult responsibility and domestic wellness. Watering is seen as a disciplined act of care, especially with Bonsai trees, where the method of watering is as important as the water itself. In many crowded cities, 'watering the plants' on a balcony is a way to maintain a connection to nature in a concrete environment.
Check the soil first
Before you water the plants, stick your finger in the soil. If it's wet, wait!
Don't overwater
More plants die from too much water than too little. Be careful!
Meaning
To provide water to plants to help them grow.
Check the soil first
Before you water the plants, stick your finger in the soil. If it's wet, wait!
Don't overwater
More plants die from too much water than too little. Be careful!
Morning is best
The best time to water the plants is early morning so the water doesn't evaporate in the sun.
The 'Green Thumb'
If someone says you have a 'green thumb,' it means you are very good at watering the plants and keeping them healthy!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'water'.
Yesterday, I ________ the plants in the garden.
The sentence uses 'Yesterday,' so we need the past tense form 'watered.'
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence:
'Water' is the correct verb and it does not need the preposition 'to.'
Complete the dialogue.
A: Oh no, the soil is very dry! B: Don't worry, I will ________ right now.
'Water the plants' is the standard collocation for this situation.
Match the action to the situation.
You are going on vacation for two weeks. What do you ask your neighbor?
You water things that grow, like plants. You don't water floors or cats!
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tools for Watering
Tools
- • Watering can
- • Garden hose
- • Sprinkler
- • Spray bottle
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYesterday, I ________ the plants in the garden.
The sentence uses 'Yesterday,' so we need the past tense form 'watered.'
Choose the most natural sentence:
'Water' is the correct verb and it does not need the preposition 'to.'
A: Oh no, the soil is very dry! B: Don't worry, I will ________ right now.
'Water the plants' is the standard collocation for this situation.
You are going on vacation for two weeks. What do you ask your neighbor?
You water things that grow, like plants. You don't water floors or cats!
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if they are specifically flowers, it is very common. 'Plants' is just more general.
It can be! Gardeners and landscapers are paid to water the plants in parks and offices.
Use 'the' when talking about specific plants in your home. Use 'water plants' when talking about the activity in general.
The past tense is 'watered.' For example: 'I watered them yesterday.'
No, you 'give water to' or 'fill the water bowl' for a pet. You don't 'water the dog.'
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It is the special container with a handle and a spout used to water the plants.
It's the same, but the pronunciation of 'plants' often uses a long 'ah' sound (/plɑːnts/).
Yes, that is very common if the plants are outside.
In this phrase, yes. It is the action you are performing.
Related Phrases
mist the plants
specialized formTo spray a fine mist of water on leaves.
water the lawn
similarTo water the grass.
overwater
builds onTo give too much water.
give a drink
synonymInformal way to say water.
tend the garden
builds onTo take care of the garden.
