Key Points
Watering during peak sun hours won’t allow water to reach plant roots.Instead, you should water in the early mornings or later evenings to avoid the heat of the day.Increase your summer watering success by making it part of your daily routine and watering into the soil instead of the plant leaves.
It’s vital to know when to water your garden, so you don’t run into any future issues. For example, water too late, and the daily drink your plants depend upon to thrive in summer heat will evaporate without being absorbed by the roots. On the other hand, water too soon, and your plants may find themselves sitting in standing water, exposing them to the potential of root rot and other plant diseases.
Ahead, we share advice from garden experts on why you should avoid peak sun hours when watering your garden.
Meet the Expert
Morris Hankinson is a garden expert and the managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries
Ali Lijee is a garden expert and the founder of TreeMend
Should You Water Your Garden During Peak Sun Hours?
The answer is mostly no, don’t water in peak sun, generally between 10am and 4pm.
“The water is more likely to evaporate before the roots are able to absorb what they need,” Morris Hankinson, a garden expert and the managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, says.
Hence, he considers this a common watering mistake and a waste of water and time—it can even potentially stress your plants by introducing sudden temperature changes.
However, there might be one caveat to consider when it comes to watering in peak sun hours. And that is if you have a plant seriously struggling in the heat of the sun, and you are unable to water in the evening or early morning. If this is the case, then go ahead and water deeply into the soil beneath the plant, Hankinson says.
“Better to help a struggling plant than find it hard to revive later,” Hankinson says.
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The Best Time to Water Your Garden
If you shouldn’t water in peak sun, when is the best time to water your garden? Early morning is best, Ali Lijee, a garden expert and the founder of TreeMend, explains.
“Generally, before 9am is ideal, allowing time for the soil to absorb the water before the sun is strong,” he says.
However, mid-morning is acceptable in the cooler times of the year because the potential for water evaporation will be less of a problem.
Another time to water is in the evening. Watering in the evening is generally best during summer and on warmer days, Hankinson explains. This allows plants time to absorb the water and nutrients from the soil after the heat of the day has passed. However, he warns, if you have slugs and want to get rid of them, water in the morning, as they may be more active in the evening, and will love the moisture.
Tips for Watering Your Garden in the Summer
Gardening pros detail the best tips for watering your garden in the summer, so your plants and lawn stay happy and healthy.
Make Watering Part of Your Routine
One way to integrate watering the garden into your mornings is to set up a daily routine. Wake up 15 minutes earlier than you normally do, Hankinson says, and make a cup of tea to enjoy while watering the garden in the morning.
Having simple pleasures such as this will make rising early to water feel like less of a chore.
Don’t Water Your Lawn Every Day
This is a great way to use less water in your garden, and it’s especially true if you live in an area experiencing summer water shortages. There’s just no need to water every day, Hankinson says, even if the lawn begins to brown.
“Grass has an amazing ability to soon green up again when it rains,” he adds.
Instead of watering the lawn, prioritize watering your garden and other plants that may need more water in dry, hot weather.
Water Into the Soil
Meaning, do not water over the top of plants. It’s the roots that need water, so doing this deeply rather than a sprinkle of water every day will keep your plants healthy, Hankinson says.
Besides, watering at the soil level will help avoid excessive leaf wetness, which can create a greater risk of disease, Lijee says.
Wipe Away Any Water on Plant Leaves
Make sure your plant’s leaves don’t have massive amounts of water left behind on them.
“Water droplets sitting on leaves can also act like tiny magnifying glasses and scorch the plant,” Lijee says. Therefore, you would not only be wasting water but also damaging your plant’s leaves in the process.
Add Mulch
Finally, consider adding mulch to your garden, which will help to retain the moisture for your plants between waterings. For the most success, use a soaker hose or watering wand and refresh mulch often, Lijee recommends.
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