Gardeners have been advised that the best time to water their plants during hot weather is late afternoon or early evening, specifically between 4pm and 6pm, to avoid what experts describe as 'irreversible damage'. This guidance comes from the gardening specialists at Blooming Expert, who emphasise that timing is critical for plant health and water efficiency.
Why Timing Matters
Watering at the right time helps prevent evaporation, ensuring that plants can absorb moisture before the heat of the day draws it from the soil. It also reduces the risk of diseases that can arise from wet foliage, especially when temperatures drop overnight. The experts note that providing plants with a drink in the early evening is 'better than letting them suffer irreversible damage until the next morning.'
Best Practice for Evening Watering
When watering in the evening, gardeners should direct water towards the root zone rather than the foliage. Wet leaves left overnight can quickly lead to fungal diseases. The residual warmth in the soil and air during early evening allows some surface moisture to evaporate, balancing the plant's need for water with the risks of over-saturation.
Gardeners' Perspectives
In a discussion on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page, many gardeners shared their preference for evening watering. One commented: 'I do evenings. When the sun sets over the house. Between five and 5:30pm.' Another wrote: 'I like to water in the evenings. It gives the plants overnight to drink.' A third added: 'I do my plants in the evening, but lawn sprinklers are set to go off at 6am for 30 minutes. Shouldn't leave a lawn damp overnight on purpose (obvs can't help if it rained), can lead to more disease growth, and middle of the day, it just evaporates and can't soak into the ground.'
Watering Needs Vary
The amount of water a plant requires depends on its position, species, soil composition, and other factors. During spring, most plants get sufficient moisture from rainfall and only need watering during prolonged dry periods. However, in summer, with consistently high temperatures, plants need substantially more water to thrive.
