6 days Ago By Talya Honebeek
A gardener has revealed the best and worst times to water your plants. Louise Harrow, who has more than 20 years of experience designing and maintaining residential and RHS-standard gardens , says the timing of your watering routine is just as important as how much water you use. “The optimal time is between 6am and 9am—when temperatures are still cool, the sun is low, and plants are just starting to ‘wake up’ for the day,” Louise explained on behalf of My Home Improvements.
An early morning watering is ideal for a number of reasons. Lower temperatures mean more water will soak into the soil and reach the roots rather than evaporating. It also helps promote healthier roots, as cool water in the morning gives roots moisture before the heat arrives, allowing them to stay hydrated throughout the day.
“Watering in the morning means leaves dry out faster, reducing the risk of mildew, root rot, and fungal infections,” Louise explained, adding that morning waterings are especially important for vegetabes, roses and potted plants more vulnerable to heat stress. If you miss the early morning watering slot, evening watering between 6pm and 7.30pm is also acceptable, though not ideal.
"Water between 6pm and 7:30pm if you must,” Louise said. "Temperatures have dropped slightly by then—usually to 16–18°C in summer—and there's still time for leaves to dry before nightfall." You'll need to be cautious, however, as damp leaves overnight can lead to fungus and mould, especially on plants like cucumbers and tomatoes.
For this reason, you should aim water at the base of the plants, rather than the leaves. "If the air is still and the garden gets no breeze, moisture will cling to foliage overnight—that’s a breeding ground for disease," Louise warned. As for the worst time of day to water your plants, that comes between 11am and 4pm.
“Midday to mid-afternoon watering is the biggest mistake I see,” Louise said. “It’s the hottest time of day—often above 22°C in summer—and water evaporates almost immediately.” Water droplets on leaves can magnify the sun's rays and burn foliage, and up to 40 percent of water can be lost to evaporation, especially on hard soil or dry grass.
“Water doesn’t penetrate deeply in hot soil, meaning plants end up with dry roots and weak growth,” Louise explained. "Your watering routine should shift with the seasons. In summer, early morning is king.
In cooler months, watering every few days is enough—just check soil moisture first.".
