How do you do this: How do I check to see if my plants need water?
Perform the finger test. Stick a finger in the soil up to your first knuckle and notice if the soil is moist enough. If your finger can't even enter the soil, it definitely needs to be watered. If you reach an inch or so deep but your finger is completely dry, it probably needs water. If the top inch feels fairly moist, and some of the dirt sticks to your finger, it probably has enough water.