An expert has advised gardeners to abandon the weekly watering schedule during hot weather, recommending instead that plants be watered at specific times of day to avoid waste and keep them healthy.
Stuart Thompson, a senior lecturer in plant biochemistry at the University of Westminster, told Gardens Illustrated that plants in the ground should be watered in the morning or evening. This allows water to soak into the soil before evaporating under the midday sun, making it more effective.
Thompson also debunked the myth that water droplets can act like magnifying glasses and burn leaves. He explained that this is generally false, except for hairy leaves which may hold droplets away from the surface, focusing sunlight and causing damage.
For potted plants, Thompson advised watering more frequently, possibly several times a day, and moving them to shaded areas to prevent wilting. He noted that plants in shaded or damp spots need extra attention as they are less adapted to hot, dry conditions.
Succulents and yuccas, however, require less care due to their natural adaptations to arid environments. Thompson emphasized that these species have effective systems to reduce water loss.
