This will be my very first grow. It will be outdoor. 2 plants. 1 easyryder autoflower and 1 strawberry cough. Both feminized. My question is, how often do I need to water them and how much do I give them when I do water? Also, can you recommend a good grow guide that answers these questions and more in better detail? The grow guides I found on here are OK, but they don't tell me specific details like the questions I just asked. Thanks.
water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, stick ur index finger in and if the bottom feels dry no need to water. Biggest problem is watering TOO OFTEN, its much better to water less often but with more water, so it drips out of drainage holes a bit. Difficult to give a guideline but ive found once a week is more than enough for young plants and 2-3 times a week for bigger plants. Again the reason why you dont get a definate answer is because there are alot of variations to soil, humidity, heat, genes, plant size, pot size, what stage of growth they are n etc which make a blanket schedule very difficult to give. Gd luck anyway n check out my grow journal for more info
You didn't state if your plants are in-ground or in containers. That's a tough question to answer due to different growing mediums, drainage and changing temperatures in your area. I'd say watch your plants but as a new grower you have yet to understand how the plant can tell you when it needs water. Get a $6 moisture meter with probe at any garden center. When it registers dry with the probe inserted into your growing media/dirt, water the plant. Don't be tempted to over water. Even if you wait for the leaves to show signs of drooping from lack of water the plant is still better off than being over watered.
You will have to water your plants more often if they are in pots. If they are in the ground you will be good for a couple days after a thorough water.