Gardening experts have unanimously agreed that the best time to water plants during hot summer weather is early in the morning or late in the evening. This advice comes as temperatures rise, making garden care more challenging for both avid gardeners and those with simple lawns.
Why Morning and Evening Are Best
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."
Charlotte McGrattan, Hardy Nursery Stock Buyer at Hillier Garden Centres, echoed this advice, emphasizing "smart watering" as the secret to a thriving garden during a heatwave. She recommends watering at the base of the plant to allow roots to absorb water effectively and avoid wetting leaves to reduce disease risk.
Watering Frequency and the Finger Test
Hayward noted that during hot weather, watering once or twice a day is usually sufficient. An easy way to check if a second watering is needed is the "finger test": simply insert a finger into the soil to a depth of 1-2 inches. If the soil is dry, water again that evening.
Lawn Care Tips for Summer
For lawns, the best time to water is early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases. Hayward advises keeping the lawn 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.
Special Attention for Containers and Hanging Baskets
Containers and hanging baskets dry out faster than beds and borders, so they need particular attention during warm spells. McGrattan recommends 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, helps retain moisture by reducing evaporation and insulating the soil.
Sustainable Watering and Rainwater Harvesting
McGrattan also highlighted growing pressure on water resources, urging gardeners to water more sustainably by collecting rainwater. David Nicholson of elho, a sustainable plant pot company, explained that rainwater harvesting is gaining momentum in UK gardens. "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 said. Plants prefer rainwater as it lacks minerals like calcium and fluoride, and it helps preserve water supplies and keep soil free from unwanted chemicals. Rain barrels and water butts can be easily installed to drainpipes.
