Watering Mango Seedlings on these 99 degree days

[baccarat0809]

So, the last few weeks I haven't had to water anything in the garden thanks to mother nature taking care of it, and the rains came at a great time as I had just put all my seedlings that I had started last year into the ground from pots.

Most of the plants had a heck of a flush the last 2 weeks and put on some real nice growth, but the last 2 days we've had upper 90's and no rain at all - decent amount of sun too.

Anywho, my questions is the need for watering the seedlings now.  They're in very sandy, well drained ground.  If i put my finger into the sand down 2.5 to 3 inches it's pretty much dry.  Since they're seedlings that have only been in the ground a few weeks should I be watering them every day while we're getting 95+ temps because the soil drains so well, or should I wait a few days in between, even if it causes a bit of stress to the plants, to make those roots grow more in search of water.

I was watering them every 3 to 5 days since I put them in pots last summer (most were in 3 gallon pots) based on the feel of the soil, but the soil in the pots held the water better than the sandy mix their in now.

Thoughts?

[Donkeys4hire]

It will help them establish. I would just ensure it is not constantly wet. Let the soil dry between watering.

[greenman62]

Anywho, my questions is the need for watering the seedlings now.  They're in very sandy, well drained ground.  If i put my finger into the sand down 2.5 to 3 inches it's pretty much dry.

Thoughts?

i always go by the moisture in the soil, and soil type.
they can go a day, even if its bone dry, and if its "pretty much"
i am thinking every other day might be good for ya.

every situation is different
every soil is different, every seedling, etc...

i would use a good bit of woody mulch if you can
to keep the moisture in.
i actually use cardboard or newspaper around the base of most of my fruit trees
then, mulch on top.
i keep it a few inches from the trunk, and strips are about 6 inches wide
so, plenty of water can get in when it needs to, even with a light rain.

when it rains a lot, does the area flood ?
is the seedling raised above ground level at all ?
i always try to plant on a mound, or raised area.
even 3 - 4 bags of extra garden soil mixed in can raise an inch or 2.
But, MY area gets tons of rain and is low.