Gardening experts have shared the best time to water your garden during hot weather spells. Scorching temperatures can make tending to your garden quite a challenge, whether you're a passionate horticulturalist or simply the owner of a lawn that requires occasional watering and mowing. Watering in particular can cause issues if carried out at the wrong time of day and could have a lasting effect on the health of your plants.
Early Morning or Late Evening Recommended
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Shaun Hayward, Product Manager at Hozelock, says: "During the summer the best time of day to water your garden is early in the morning or late evening, when temperatures are at their coolest. This helps to avoid the harshest hours of sunlight which can lead to leaf scorch and rapid evaporation, giving plants more time to absorb moisture into the soil effectively."
He continued: "During hot weather, watering plants once or twice a day is usually sufficient and avoids overwatering, which can also be detrimental. An easy way to check whether a second watering is needed is 'the finger test.' Simply place your finger into the soil, around the depth of 1-2 inches, to see if it is still damp. If the soil is dry, then you should water the plants again that evening."
Lawn Care During Heatwaves
Similar advice also applies for lawns. The best time to water the grass is early in the morning due to the reduction in evaporation and to help prevent fungal diseases. To protect the roots from drought and heat, it's best to keep the lawn slightly longer than usual during the summer months - around 2.5 to 4 cm, and mow no more than one-third of its height at a time.
In a similar vein, Charlotte McGrattan, Hardy Nursery Stock Buyer at Hillier Garden Centres, recommends watering either in the early hours of the morning or during the evening. She says: "Smart watering is the secret to a thriving garden, especially during a heatwave. For best results, water your plants during the coolest part of the day (in early morning or late evening) to minimise water loss through evaporation. Aim to water at the base of the plant so the roots can absorb it effectively, and try to avoid wetting the leaves to reduce the risk of disease."
Special Attention for Containers
Containers and hanging baskets tend to dry out much faster than beds and borders, so these will need particular attention during warm spells. She continued: "In general, it's better to water less often but more deeply, making sure the rootball is thoroughly soaked. Adding a thick layer of organic mulch, such as wood chippings, compost or leaf mould, can also help the soil retain moisture for longer by reducing evaporation and insulating the soil surface."
Charlotte further points out that the increasing strain on water resources means gardeners ought to adopt more sustainable watering practices wherever possible, and look into harvesting rainwater for use in their gardens.
Rainwater Harvesting Benefits
Sharing his advice on rainwater collection, David Nicholson, of sustainable plant pot company elho, says: "Rainwater harvesting is gaining momentum in many gardens across the UK, with green-fingered folk using water butts and rain storage solutions to take care of their precious plants and foliage. Rainwater provides the freshest and cleanest water, as well as being a great money-saving alternative to the mains supply - particularly handy during heatwaves or if hosepipe bans become implemented."
He added: "Plants actually prefer to drink rainwater as it does not contain minerals like calcium and fluoride. It is also much better for the environment, as it preserves our planet's precious water supplies. Plus, it's perfect for anyone going organic, helping you keep your soil and plants free from unwanted chemicals. Rain barrels and water butts are a great way of harvesting rainwater for the garden, and many can easily be installed to drainpipes."
