Gardeners are being urged to water their plants at 5pm during summer heatwaves to prevent damage and improve efficiency. According to plant food specialists Phostrogen, watering in the early evening between 5pm and 7pm reduces the risk of leaf burn caused by the sun and minimises evaporation, ensuring plants absorb more moisture.
While some experts recommend early morning watering, Phostrogen states that in summer, evening watering is preferable. Garden blogger Linda Ly suggests the optimal window is 5am to 9am, but the second-best time is 5pm to 8pm. To avoid fungal issues, gardeners should water gently at the base of plants, avoiding leaves, and finish before darkness falls.
Henry Bartlam, founder of Dig, advises against daily light sprinkling, recommending instead a thorough soak every few days, especially in warm weather. He cautions against overwatering, which can damage plants and waste water. Checking soil moisture is key: if it remains moist without drying out rapidly, the watering amount is likely appropriate.
