Gardeners are being urged to rethink their watering routines as an expert warns that weekly watering may be insufficient during hot weather. Stuart Thompson, a senior lecturer in plant biochemistry at the University of Westminster, has shared new guidance on when and how to water plants effectively.
Thompson advises that plants in the ground should be watered in the morning or evening, as droplets have time to soak into the soil before evaporating under the midday sun. Watering at the hottest part of the day is largely a waste of water, he says. For potted plants, more frequent watering—even several times a day—may be necessary to prevent wilting.
The expert also debunked the myth that water droplets on leaves act like magnifying glasses and cause scorching. He notes that only plants with hairy leaves are at risk, as the hairs can hold droplets away from the leaf surface, focusing sunlight and causing damage.
Thompson recommends moving potted plants to shaded areas during heatwaves and paying extra attention to plants in normally damp or shaded spots, as they are less adapted to dry conditions. Succulents and yuccas, however, require less care due to their natural water-conserving adaptations.
