I forgot to add that these will be put in containers.

I go by the finger test. Stick your finger in to your first knuckle. If it's dry, it's time to water.

Geraniums won't die easily without water. They don't even wilt easily. They can be bone dry for a day or 2 without ill effects. Watering depends how big your pot is--lilybeth herb has it right but I go past the first knuckle to somewhere between the first and second knuckle or about 1 1/2 to 2 inches. As with all plants in cooler weather they won't need as much water as in hot weather.

You can take cuttings too when they get bigger. Cut about a 4 inch piece from the growing tip. Cut just below a leaf. The roots will come from a leaf node or joint. Remove all but the top 3 or 4 leaves. Moisten soil in a pot--wet but not sopping and dibble a hole in the center. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place in the hole and cover it in. It is best kept indoors until rooted. Don't water too much--just enough to keep it moist. In a couple of weeks it will show new growth and it is rooted. Wait a while before transplanting, so it grows a good root system.

Taking cuttings will help the original plant send out new shoots, so it's a win, win situation