As summer approaches, gardening enthusiasts must pay extra attention to one crucial task: watering. Proper hydration is essential for nurturing vibrant blooms. Plant specialists at Phostrogen emphasize that plants are composed of 80 percent water, with roots being the sole channel for water uptake. Therefore, proper watering is indispensable.
However, a common mistake made by gardeners during this period is watering at the wrong time of day. According to Mark Lane, a TV presenter and QVC’s gardening expert, this ranks among the worst mistakes one can make in the heat. So, what is the optimal time for watering?
Phostrogen’s experts recommend watering early in the morning in spring and autumn. However, in summer, it is best to wait until the evening. Watering during full sun can burn the plants, and evening watering reduces the risk of evaporation, ensuring plants benefit from the full amount of water provided, as reported by the Express.
Mark Lane, however, contends that the best time to water plants is early in the morning when the outdoor temperature is cooler, between 5:00 and 9:00 am. He argues that watering during these hours results in less water lost to evaporation as temperatures rise throughout the day.
While the timing of watering is crucial, the amount of water used is equally important. During peak temperatures, less is often more. Henry Bartlam, founder of the Dig, advises against giving plants a daily light sprinkling of water. Instead, he suggests providing them with a good soak every couple of days, especially in warmer weather. While there isn’t an exact science to this, if the soil appears moist and retains its dampness, it is likely that the plants have received enough water.
However, Bartlam warns gardeners to be careful not to overwater and saturate the soil. Overwatering can damage plants and waste valuable water.
