What Time of Day Do You Water Plants?

Watering plants is an essential part of gardening, but did you know that the timing of watering can significantly impact the health and growth of your plants? In this article, we'll discuss the best time of day to water your plants and the reasons behind it.

Early Morning is Best

The best time of day to water your plants is early in the morning, ideally between 6 am and 10 am. This is because the temperature is typically cooler, and the sun is not yet fully up and intense. As a result, the soil can absorb the water more effectively, and the plants have sufficient time to dry before the hottest part of the day.

Watering in the morning also helps reduce the risk of plant diseases caused by excess moisture. Damp conditions and prolonged moisture can lead to mildew, mould or fungus growth. Watering your plants in the morning, allows sufficient time for the leaves to dry out, preventing the growth of these harmful microorganisms.

Midday Watering is Risky

Watering your plants in the middle of the day when the sun is the strong is not favourable, and should be avoided when possible. The combination of hot sun and moisture can burn the leaves of the plant, and cause rapid evaporation, therefore not allowing the plant to get the full benefit of the water. It can also be damaging to the roots because the hot sun can cause the water to be absorbed more quickly than the plant can utilize it.

Evening Watering May Be Acceptable

If watering your plants in the morning is not an option for you, the next best time is in the evening. You should water your plants between 4 pm and 6 pm. At this time, the temperature is usually cooler, and the sun is setting, allowing the plants sufficient time to absorb the water before nightfall.

However, evening watering of plants comes with some risks. If the foliage is still wet when night falls, it can increase the chances of disease and pests forming since the water is not able to fully evaporate. If you choose to water in the evening, it is best to avoid watering the leaves and focusing more on the base of the plant. This reduces the risk of moisture lingering on the leaves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best time of day to water your plants is in the early morning, but if this is not possible, the next best time is in the evening. It is essential to avoid midday watering as it can be damaging to your plants. Remember to water the base of the plant, and not the leaves, especially if watering in the evening to reduce the risk of fungal growth.