It might sound simple, but knowing when to water your garden isn't a straightforward task – especially as summer brings rising temperatures and the risk of drought.
Whether you're tending to raised beds, container plants, or your lawn, timing is crucial. An effective watering routine is an integral way to keep your garden hydrated, encourage flowers to bloom, and avoid wasting water.
So, while you'll likely understand how to water your plants, the question of when to water them might feel a little harder to answer. Below, experts share their best advice on when to water your garden – and whether there really is a superior time of day to do it.
Is it Best to Water Your Garden in the Morning, or at Night?
It's easy to think that the exact time of day won't make much difference to your plants, but there is, in fact, an optimal time to water your garden – and experts always recommend watering in the morning.
'The best time to water plants is definitely in the morning,' states Drew Swainston, Content Editor at Homes & Gardens. 'Make it a part of your early routine during the hotter months, and your plants will be eternally grateful.'
The biggest advantage to watering earlier in the day is that it helps lock in moisture which could otherwise be lost: water in the morning, and your plants will remain as hydrated as possible.
'I water between 6am and 9am whenever I can,' says Nicole Burke, author and founder of Gardenary. 'The soil is still cool, the sun hasn't cranked up yet, and your plants can actually drink what you're giving them instead of losing it immediately to evaporation.'
'If you water when the sun is at its peak, you’ll more than likely lose lots of that moisture before your plants get a look in,' adds Drew. 'Watering in the morning gives your plants many hours to soak up the moisture before the hottest parts of the day.'
If you're watering plants during hot weather (or even watering plants during a heatwave), getting it done early is the most efficient approach.
'Water in the morning and there is ample time for the water to get down to the roots – where it is needed – and taken in,' explains Drew. 'This means that your plants are well-stocked for when temperatures rise.'
Giving your plants a morning drink doesn't just help with deep watering; it also enables their leaves to dry out gradually. This is crucial, since wet foliage is a common garden watering mistake that can lead to pest infestations and diseases.
'Watering in the morning allows plenty of time for moisture on the leaves to evaporate,' says Drew. 'This ensures that your plants are at less risk of mildew, which is often caused by foliage sitting damp for long periods of time (usually overnight).'
When To Water Container Plants
While it might take a while to create your perfect watering routine, there's one more thing to consider: container gardening.
Container plants dry out much more quickly compared to plants in raised beds, so you may need to water them more than once a day, particularly in the summertime.
'Containers need more attention than anything else in the garden,' says Nicole. 'Because they're limited in soil volume, they dry out faster than raised beds or in-ground gardens, especially in summer heat. I check mine daily when temperatures are high.'
While you can keep an eye on water levels using a soil moisture meter, like this one from Walmart, you can also perform a quick check by hand.
'Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil,' advises Nicole. 'If it's dry at that depth, it's time to water. Some of my smaller containers in full sun need water twice a day in July and August, and this is one reason I recommend larger containers. More soil means more water retention, which makes a more forgiving garden.'
Should You Water Plants in the Evening?
While earlier times are preferable, watering your plants in the evening is still a viable option; after all, it isn't always possible to start gardening at daybreak.
'Watering in the evening is my second choice if morning isn't possible,' says Nicole. 'The temperatures are cooler, so water absorbs well. Just try to water at the base of the plant rather than overhead so leaves go into the night dry.'
'Evening water requires good dedication to avoiding splashing lots of water on the foliage, since this can create perfect conditions for mildew,' warns Drew.
What to Shop
Want to take the stress out of summer watering? This pack of 6 self-watering plant pots makes an easy upgrade to your porch, patio or balcony garden.
With a capacity of 1 gallon, this sleek metal watering can features two sturdy handles, a removable spout, and a stylish embossed design.
This metal wand will help you water hanging baskets with ease – and reach any awkward spots or problem areas in your garden.
This lightweight hose can extend to 50ft, but it shrinks easily when not in use. A double-layered latex core ensures that it's durable and leakproof.
If you have a standard 4x8 bed in your yard, this grid watering system will provides full-coverage, soil-level watering that reaches every plant.
Irrigation kits are a brilliant way to create a fuss-free watering routine, and this one includes 230 feet of tubing and 32 drippers.
Want to keep your plants happy without spending hours in the yard? Check out our tips on how to reduce watering in the garden, even during summer – or take a look at our top DIY watering system ideas.
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