When to start watering

[SpikyMike]

Question from a newbie here. Started collecting cacti last May. So now my hundred or so cacti are coming through the winter. Most* have been in a small lean-to greenhouse and minimum temperature need down to 5’c. All are completely dry.

When would The Experts here advise time to start watering? Is now (02-Mar-2019) too soon?

Living in Hertfordshire, just north of London

Thanks!

[Nick_G]

Look at the long term weather forecast, you want some sunny days at this time of year to start watering. I'd wait at least a couple of weeks.

[Stuart]

Started last week, everything has been watered now.

Stuart

[Aiko]

I would wait until the end of this month, unless you get a very sunny spell lasting at least a week. We had that the previous two weeks, but as it was still February I would not have watered just yet. But in March that should be better, assuming the sun comes out. So if there will be not much sunlight in the coming weeks, wait for late March very early April.

Although some plants are exceptions. But if you don't know which ones, don't bother with the exceptions.

[SpikyMike]

I think I’ll give my indoor ladies and gents a water - but leave the greenhouse cacti for another three weeks or so. Thanks for the advice!

[gerald]

It is tempting to start now given the sunny spells we're having, but those of us used to British weather know it can turn for the worse at any time.

Best stay safe and wait until late March at the earliest.

Cacti being cacti, they won't come to any harm being dry for a few weeks more.

[Cidermanrolls]

I’ve misted a couple of times, enough to wet the plants above soil level but no more than a few millimetres of soil itself. After doing this I’ve ventillated for several hours and also have the dehumidifiers running once the doors are shut. The soil surface is dry by evening.
I don’t plan on watering the soil for a few weeks. Except for seedlings that is....

[Chris L]

As a rule of thumb I always wait until at least when the clocks change. My Greenhouse doesn't get early morning sun, so early in the year I am always wary. A greenhouse that gets full sun for the whole day might not be as risky to early water.

Better a week to late, than a week too early.

In the end it is just a gut feeling when it is right based on previous years and the current / near future weather pattern.

In 2016 we still had snow in late April.