Watering garden plants throughout the summer is crucial if you want a blooming garden and want to avoid destructive pests like slugs. However, it can be hard to know when it is the best time to get the hose or watering can out. Whilst some experts recommend watering in the mornings, others recommend the evening, and some recommend twice a day.
This does depend on the plants you have in your garden, hot hot it is and ultimately the direction of your garden, but the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has shared the best time. They explained: “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.”
When watering plants, make sure to focus on the roots and ensure to water deeply so that the bottom of the soil gets hydrated.
Evening water is what some people prefer, or have the time to do, but it can attract pests such as slugs, especially if the weather is humid.
This is because watering at night creates a damp, inviting environment for the nocturnal pests, making them more likely to emerge and feed.
The RHS added: “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.”
According to the gardening pros, there is no simple rule of thumb for watering as each plant has different needs.
Some container plants will need more watering than ones in a flower bed, whilst hanging baskets won’t need as much, but may need more frequent hydration.
If you notice any wilting or a change of position in any leaves, it’s a sign your plants may need watering, but check the soil first.