Keeping on top of watering your plants in the hot weather is important, but advice on when exactly you should break out the hose or watering can is mixed. Some recommend doing it early in the morning, while others say you should wait until the evening. Some experts even say you should water your garden twice a day.
While the best approach depends on a number of factors, including the types of plants you have, how hot it is, and the direction your garden faces, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says there is one time of day when it is best to water them. Experts at the organisation say the morning, as soon as the sun comes up, is the best time to get the hose out.
They said: “Water in the mornings as soon as the sun comes up, and plants will start to use water. The foliage and soil surface are also likely to stay drier for longer than evening watering, discouraging slugs, snails, and mildew diseases.
“Plants start to transpire in sunlight, drawing water from the soil, through their roots, up their stems and out through tiny pores on their leaves called stomata.”
While some prefer to water in the evening, the RHS warns this can result in pests such as slugs attacking your plants – particularly in humid conditions. Watering late at night creates the ideal damp habitat for nocturnal creatures, making it more likely they’ll chow down on your plants.
The RHS said: “Watering in the heat of the day is not a good idea as much water is lost through evaporation from the surface of the soil and the plants will use water more efficiently if watered in the cooler parts of the day.”
One of the most important things to do when watering is to focus on the roots. This way the water reaches the bottom of the soil, giving the plants all the hydration they need. But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach – each plant has different needs.
Some potted plants need more watering than those in soil, while hanging baskets usually don’t need as much – but may need to be watered more often. The key sign a plant is thirsty is a wilted appearance or drooping leaves. If in doubt, check the soil – if it’s dry, then it’s time for watering.