Should Watering Plants in the Morning or Evening Be Preferred?
Freshened Up:
Watering plants ain't just about hosing them down, buddy. Especially during scorching, sunny afternoons, your watering efforts might as well be a waste. That's why the experts say do your watering when it's cool and the sun's not blazing – mornings are your best bet.
Now, you might wonder if it's better to water in the morning or the evening, and we've got you covered.
Morning, Daws Out Early
Give your garden (and your lawn) a good soak in the morning for a multitude of reasons. First off, it'll hydrate your plants and get them prepped for the heat of the day. Secondly, any excess moisture on the leaves will evaporate by the time the sun's high, reducing the chances of fungal and other diseases. Lastly, roots absorb water more efficiently in the morning, which means fewer chances of root rot.
Evening, Second Best
If your plants are drooping in the heat, you might be tempted to water them in the evening for their sake. Before you do, check the soil moisture around your plants – some plants can wilt in the afternoon and perk up at night. If you decide to water in the evening, beware of wetting the leaves, as it could result in fungal issues and an influx of weeds. Also, remember that roots absorb water slower at night, so make sure you water before it gets dark.
Watering Frequency
Here are some tips to keep in mind when determining how often to water:
- Container plants dry out quick and need frequent watering, sometimes daily. Most containers should be watered when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry.
- New plants in the ground need more watering when they're getting established. New shrubs, trees, and annuals often require daily watering for the first couple of weeks during dry spells. Gradually reduce watering to once a week during the first year.
- Some established plants don't need watering except during periods of drought, while others need an inch or two of water a week during the growing season. Watering plants deeply and less frequently encourages a stronger root system.
- Clay soil holds water for a long time, while sandy soil dries out quickly. Always check soil moisture first when deciding whether to water.
- Fall planting often reduces the need for watering, as plants can establish themselves over winter and spring before the summer heat arrives.
More Watering Wisdom
Need more specifics on how and when to water? Check out these guides:
- Properly Pamper Your Roses With Water: Here's How Often
- Hydrangeas Hate Overwatering: Avoid These Watering Mistakes
- The Secret to Blooming Mums All Season Long: A Watering Guide
- Watering Masterclass: How Often to Water Tomatoes, According to the Pros
- 7 Common Watering Mistakes: Don't Drown Your Veggie Garden!
[1]: "Watering your garden – the right way, which can save water and help protect your plants, New Mexico State University Extension, Retrieved from https://pubs.nmsu.edu/extension_horticulture/09642.pdf"[2]: "Watering Plants: Facts, Misconceptions, and Best Practices, Purdue Extension, Retrieved from https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/SP-656-W/SP-656-W.pdf"[3]: "Watering Your Garden in Summer: When, How, and How Much, Michigan State University, Retrieved from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/watering_your_garden_in_summer_when_how_and_how_much"
- Safeguard your garden's health by implementing watering strategies suggested by experts, as mentioned in the Southern Living article titled "Freshened Up."
- To boost both your garden's vitality and water conservation, make sure to water during cooler hours and early mornings, following the advice given in the text.
- Find valuable gardening ideas and techniques for watering, such as caring for roses and improving blooms, in guides provided by home-and-garden resources like Southern Living.
- The secret to a thriving garden lies in the proper usage of garden tools and understanding the best watering practices, as detailed in informative resources like the one provided by New Mexico State University Extension (56182d1f705d63d9177aef339fc11315).
- Adopt a lifestyle that not only enhances your home's aesthetics through garden care but also contributes to the well-being of your plants and the environment, adopting the Gardening tips and ideas cited in various resources.
- Remember to check the creditline for further referencing of resources mentioned in the article, so you can explore more watering wisdom from trusted sources.
