Watering pots in troughs

I am a brand new gardener (and a very late starter!) 8 I am making a balcony garden putting flowers in pots in troughs. Do I water the directly into pots or into the trough. Can there be water lying in the bottom of the trough or would this be overwatering?

 

Hi Stevie,
to Gardeners Corner. With "container gardening" there has to be a drainage outlet as plants do not like to be permanently soggy (unless they are pond marginals) and it's a bit of trial and error until you get to know your plants /pots' needs.
I prefer to water from below so I have my pots sat in saucers and try and make sure they don't stand in water too long.
Others will be along soon and will give you more advice.
Meanwhile, have a wander round the threads - plenty of photos and inspiration,
Jenny namaste

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner

 

There are some plants that will be happy to have their pots sat in an inch of water but, generally, most won't like that. If you can fill the trough, let the pots soak up the water for, say, 10 minutes and then drain the trough that would be best.

 

This article and it's related links might give you a better insight into watering;

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Water/Water.htm