Garden plants will thrive when watered at one specific time of day, and it is not the morning. Plants need watering every day in the summer, and timing matters hugely for their health.
The best time to water garden plants in summer is the evening. Adequate watering is essential for maintaining a healthy, flourishing garden. Without sufficient water, plants struggle to survive, particularly during the summer period. However, determining the optimal watering frequency can be challenging, as it depends on multiple factors.
Soil Type Matters
The plant specialists at Phostrogen explained: "Depending on the texture of your soil and whether it is compacted or not, it will have a greater or lesser ability to hold water, which seeps down to the roots." There are four principal soil types to keep in mind, so it is vital to identify yours before watering indiscriminately.
Weather Conditions Influence Watering
Weather conditions also significantly influence how frequently plants require watering, and monitoring this can prove difficult, particularly in the UK. To monitor rainfall levels, the experts recommended gardeners purchase a rain gauge, which can be easily positioned in an open section of the garden.
The plant specialists said: "This simple tool is cheap but very useful. Generally speaking, one millimetre of rain represents one litre of water per square metre, so you can measure how much water your plants have already received each day." They added: "You may often be surprised when taking water readings from your gauge, as heavy rainfall lasting a few minutes often brings less saturation than a fine drizzle that lasts for several hours."
Seasonal Watering Advice
Naturally, during warmer weather, gardeners must water more frequently. During spring and autumn, the experts recommended watering the garden in the morning, preferably before 8am. During the summer months, however, their guidance changes.
They advised: "It is best to wait until the evening as watering during full sun can burn the plants." Watering in the evening reduces evaporation, so the plant absorbs every drop of water it receives.
How to Water Effectively
Be sure to aim the water at the roots using a watering can or hose, keeping it away from the leaves and foliage. The gardening experts went on to say: "Think about where your plants are positioned, too. South-facing plants are likely to need more water, as direct sun will dry out the soil quickly."
Different Plants Have Different Needs
Remember that some plants and vegetables prefer more water than others. For example, tomatoes and roses are thirsty and require lots of watering, whereas plants such as lavender and poppies and vegetables such as asparagus do not. Every plant is different.
