This guide shows how to stress plants with lack of water in pot experiments. It helps study how plants survive drought. The protocol explains how to keep plants very, somewhat, or well-watered. Water stress is created by reducing soil moisture and keeping it low for a while. This is done by lowering or raising soil moisture to near or below its maximum capacity. Plants need both air and water in soil for good growth, so field capacity is important. The method in this guide works for all situations.