The best time to water your garden is in the morning, as this gives the plants time to dry out before nightfall. Leaving plants wet at night can lead to mold. Watering the plants at the most appropriate time and with the right method will allow you to keep them healthy.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Time of Day
Step 1. Water in the morning if possible
This is the best time to water your garden, as it takes advantage of the natural growth cycle of plants. Plants are ready to drink early in the morning, when the sun is high but not at peak. During the rest of the day, they will be able to drink the water before the sun gets too hot. Hydrated plants are able to withstand extreme temperatures.
- If you wait for noon or later, when the sun is very hot, the water can actually burn the plants. The water heated by the sun will be too hot for the fragile stems and leaves and will cause damage.
- Try watering your garden before 10am to make sure the water has time to soak into the soil and dry out before the sun gets too strong.
Step 2. Water in the late afternoon if you can't do it in the morning
It is not always possible to water in the morning with all your busy schedules. In this case, wait for the late afternoon, when the sun is no longer so hot. This way your plants don't get burned and will still have some time to dry out before nightfall.
- If you wait until the afternoon, try to water after 4pm, as the sun will still be too strong before that time.
- If you need to water when the sun is strong, try to water only occasionally, and not make it a daily habit.
Step 3. Don't water the garden at night
If you water at night, the water stays on the leaves and stems of the plants and does not evaporate. The soil could become waterlogged and not drain properly without the help of the sun. This is harmful to plants, as it promotes the growth of mold and mildew in the root area and on stems and leaves.
- Water at night only if you just can't help it, if your plants are very thirsty and can't wait until morning.
- If you water at night, wet the soil to avoid wetting the plant and use less water to avoid soaking the earth.
Part 2 of 2: Using the Right Method
Step 1. Water the garden with the correct frequency
The general rule of thumb for gardens is that they require about 2.5cm of water per week. However, keep in mind that some types of plants require more water, while others require less. The best approach is to research the specific needs of the plant and act accordingly to make it grow healthy. If a plant goes limp, it needs more water
- Another good test is to insert your finger a few inches deep into the soil. If it feels completely dry, it's probably time to water. If it's wet just below the surface, you still have time.
- Use common sense to determine how often to water your plants. For example, if it rained during the week, your plants won't need a lot of water. If it's a dry spell, they might want more.
Step 2. Water near the roots, not over the leaves
The roots absorb the water that nourishes the plant; the water hitting the leaves evaporates. When watering, aim the hose, watering can or sprinkler at the bottom of the plant, near the roots, to make sure the water is bathing the plant properly.
- Watering the plant's body and wetting the leaves is bad for its health. The water that remains on the leaves can cause mold to form or overheat the plant.
- If you can't water the roots with the water pump, look for special irrigation systems that water close to the ground.
Step 3. Water deeply
Almost all plants are healthier when their roots develop deep rather than horizontally, closer to the surface. Watering deeply to completely saturate the soil ensures that the water reaches the tips of the roots, and encourages downward growth.
- That is why it is better to water the plants rarely, but deeply. Instead of watering a little every day, choose one or two days a week to water the plants deeply.
- This means that you should dedicate at least thirty seconds to each area, instead of quickly watering the whole garden.
Step 4. Look for signs of excess water
Plants that get too much water are as likely to die as plants that get too little. Make sure you water the plants with the right frequency and try not to overdo it. Look for these signs that your garden may be getting too much water:
- Brown-tipped leaves
- Floppy, soggy foliage
- Signs of rot.
