When scorching weather arrives, gardens and outdoor areas transform into an ideal sanctuary for unwinding and recharging. Yet, while pleasant temperatures are welcome, extreme conditions and unprecedented heat can cause serious damage to your plants. One crucial lesson for gardeners is that watering your plants during midday ranks amongst the most damaging garden errors in summer. To prevent singeing your plants and squandering water, you must hold off until the sun has moved from its highest point. That leaves you with two choices: early morning or late evening. For your garden to flourish, understanding the timing and frequency of watering during this season is essential.
Morning Watering Is the Gold Standard
While the majority of horticultural specialists favour morning as the optimal time for watering plants, circumstances can occasionally alter this. Specialists at Simply Seeds explained, "The best time to water plants is early in the morning, when temperatures are still low and evaporation is minimal. This gives your plants a head start on hydration, allowing them to absorb the moisture before the heat sets in. It also reduces the risk of fungal diseases, as foliage has time to dry during the day."
The professionals at Carmen Johnston Gardens concurred, stating, "Morning watering is best. When you water in the morning, your plants have time to soak it all up and dry out before the cooler evening temperatures roll in. That drying time is important because when leaves stay wet overnight, it invites all sorts of issues like mildew, mould, and fungal disease."
Evening Watering as a Backup
However, with that being said, the experts noted, "Sometimes we break the rules. There are nights when I look out the window and realise I completely forgot to water, and I know my plants are thirsty. So out I go in my pyjamas, hose in hand, doing my best not to drench the foliage. Life is busy, and sometimes late in the evening is the only time I've got." Simply Seeds said, "Evening watering is the next best option if mornings aren't possible. It helps replenish moisture lost during the day and prepares plants for the night ahead. However, avoid soaking the leaves too much, as damp overnight conditions can encourage fungal problems." Those at St John's Garden Centres agreed: "If mornings aren't an option, the evening after 6pm is your next best bet; just avoid soaking foliage overnight, which can encourage mildew."
How to Water Plants Properly in the Evening
- Try to water at the base of the plant instead of over the top
- Keep the leaves as dry as possible
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation if you can
- Buy a sprinkler timer so you can set it and forget it
- Don't flood the soil, just let the water soak in slowly and deeply
- Mulch around the base to help keep moisture in the soil longer
