Gardeners facing hot weather have received unanimous advice from experts: the best time to water plants is early in the morning or late in the evening. This guidance comes from multiple horticulture specialists who emphasize that watering during cooler parts of the day helps plants absorb moisture effectively without the risk of leaf scorch or rapid evaporation.
Expert Recommendations on Timing
Shaun Hayward, Product Manager at Hozelock, told Express.co.uk: "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 added that during hot weather, watering once or twice a day is usually sufficient, and gardeners should avoid overwatering.
Hayward also suggested the "finger test" to check soil moisture: simply insert a finger 1-2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water again that evening.
Lawn Care and Watering
For lawns, Hayward recommended early morning watering to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases. He advised keeping grass slightly longer during summer—around 2.5 to 4 cm—and mowing no more than one-third of its height at a time to protect roots from drought and heat.
Smart Watering Techniques
Charlotte McGrattan, Hardy Nursery Stock Buyer at Hillier Garden Centres, echoed the same timing advice. She said: "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." She emphasized watering at the base of plants to allow roots to absorb water effectively and avoid wetting leaves to reduce disease risk.
McGrattan noted that containers and hanging baskets dry out faster than beds and borders, so they need extra attention during warm spells. She recommended watering less often but more deeply, ensuring the rootball is thoroughly soaked. Adding a thick layer of organic mulch, such as wood chippings, compost, or leaf mould, can help soil retain moisture by reducing evaporation and insulating the soil surface.
Sustainable Watering Practices
McGrattan highlighted the importance of sustainable watering due to increasing pressure on water supplies. She encouraged gardeners to harvest rainwater for garden use. David Nicholson of sustainable plant pot company elho explained: "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."
Nicholson added: "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. 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 can easily be installed to drainpipes for efficient collection.
