Checking soil moisture and watering when necessary protects the investment you made in planting a plot.
PC / Global, current base game
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
A prepared garden plot near shelter or a reliable water source.
A planted garden needs suitable hydration. Inspect crops on return visits, use a container when the soil is dry, and let rain do the work when plants are exposed to it. Treat the in-game crop condition as the guide rather than assuming a fixed amount is always needed.
Check the plot after planting and whenever you return from a supply run.
Look at the crop state in-game to determine whether watering is needed.
Fill a container at a suitable source before approaching the plot if water is required.
Apply water to the planted patches using the available interaction.
If the plot is exposed, allow rain to hydrate it and recheck the crop state afterward.
Return when the crop is ready and harvest only after confirming the food can be collected.
Farming tips
Place plots where rain can reach them and where a refill trip does not cross a dangerous area.
Carry a modest amount of water for tending instead of hauling a full container on every food run.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat moisture checks during ordinary visits. Water only as required; rain can reduce the need for manual watering but does not remove the need to inspect the crop.
Common mistakes
Watering on a blind schedule: check crop condition first and use the interaction only when needed.
Assuming rain reaches a sheltered or covered plot: inspect after weather and water manually if it remains dry.
Making a long exposed trip solely to water: move the garden or combine tending with an existing supply route.
When to stop or switch
Stop watering once the plants show they are adequately hydrated; switch to another task and return later to inspect growth and harvest readiness.
