A day before dropping the sprouted bean I water a 2” radius with 6 ounces of water. When the seedling emerges I water 3 ounces in that same area. 12 hours later I water 4.5 ounces circularly a few inches outside the original 2” radius. I continue this method for a week while creating a third outside ring started but consistently watering the center once every day for a total of 2 waterings a day.
Around day 8 the center gets 3 ounces and alternating 4.5 ounces for the outer rings. By day 14 the further outside rings are alternately getting 6 ounces.
My theory for daily watering the center is to entice and drive the tap root to the bottom. As this occurs the lateral roots will then grow to the outside perimeter. I create the rings to allow for plenty of aeration for the emerging roots rather then watering the whole pot and suffocating them.
Around day 18 I apply my first top dress and fully water in the pot with a gallon of water. From that point on I water every 48 hours with the amount dependent upon the growing phase of the plant.
