When to Water Plants on Hot Days

Watering plants on hot days is essential for their survival, but it's important to know the right time to water them. Watering your plants at the wrong time of day can do more harm than good, as it can lead to evaporation or fungus growth. Here, we'll discuss when to water your plants on hot days to ensure their health and growth.

Morning Watering

The optimal time to water plants on hot days is in the morning, ideally before 10am. This allows the plants to absorb water and nutrients before the heat of the day sets in. Watering in the morning also gives the plant leaves time to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent fungal growth.

Another benefit of morning watering is that the temperature is usually cooler, so less water is lost to evaporation. Plus, the humidity is higher in the morning, which can help keep the soil moist for longer.

Evening Watering

While it's generally recommended to water plants in the morning, there are times when evening watering can be beneficial. In hot, dry climates with low humidity, evening watering can help prevent heat stress and evaporation. However, it's essential to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can increase the risk of fungal growth.

Evening watering should only be done when the soil is dry, and the plant is showing signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. Avoid watering too often in the evening, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.

Avoid Midday Watering

Watering plants during the middle of the day on hot days is not recommended, as the sun is at its highest, and the temperature is at its hottest. The water will evaporate quickly, and the plants may not have enough time to absorb the water before it's lost.

Midday watering can also damage the leaves of the plant, as the water droplets can act as magnifying glasses and burn the leaves. This is especially true for plants with fine, delicate leaves.

Conclusion

Knowing when to water your plants on hot days is important for their health and growth. Morning watering is the ideal time, as it allows the plants to absorb nutrients before the heat sets in and prevents fungal growth. Evening watering can be beneficial in certain circumstances, but avoid midday watering, as it can lead to evaporation, leaf damage, and other issues. With the right watering schedule, your plants will thrive even on the hottest days of the year.