Water sustains not only us but our gardens. Make sure to water your garden efficiently and effectively, starting at the right time of day.
When Is the Best Time to Water Plants?
Some say evening. Others might tell you do it in the morning. The best time to water your plants seems like such a simple question, but it’s one that will likely elicit a wide range of answers from anyone you ask. And while there are some general guidelines to follow when it comes to the best time to water plants, the most important rule to consider is to do it before they need it.
On This Page
What You Need to Know About Watering Plants
If your plants are sagging and drooping, they’re already thirsty. There are other things can cause that, including garden pests, plant diseases, really hot temperatures and, believe it or not, overwatering. But more often than not, it’s a response to lack of moisture.
The Best Time of Day to Water Plants
All things considered, the best time to water plants is in the morning. First, it fortifies them for the day ahead. Second, if you’re watering from overhead, the moisture can evaporate from foliage.
It’s almost always better to water at the base of plants with drip irrigation or a soaker hose, because it directs water to the roots and limits evaporation. (Exception: Dusty plants can benefit from an occasional overhead shower.)
Morning watering is also beneficial for annuals and vegetables, which generally have shallower roots and less access to deeper soil moisture. Some annuals are sensitive to lack of water, especially New Guinea impatiens. Some gardeners even plant New Guinea impatiens as a sentinel. When they’re drooping, they know to bring out the hose and water companion plants before they’re stressed.
Time of day matters less with trees and shrubs than it does with flowers.
Is It Bad to Water Plants at Night?
There is a risk associated with it. Water can remain on top of the soil, around the base of the plants, and on the leaves overnight which can invite insects and diseases.
With all plants, however, afternoon is the least efficient time to water based on rates of evaporation. But when a plant is struggling from lack of moisture, water it immediately. Don’t wait for “a better time.”
What About Plants in Containers?
If you’re growing container plants, in the hottest parts of the summer there’s a good chance you’ll need to water twice a day, morning and evening. The morning watering fortifies the plants for the heat of the day, and evening watering replaces what was lost. There are exceptions. If you’re taking care of succulents, they require less frequent watering.
When to Water Trees and Shrubs
Perennials, tough shrubs and trees that grow anywhere have deeper roots than annuals and can withstand water scarcity better in the short term. However, they can still succumb to drought, so don’t ignore them.
When to Water New Plants
Newly installed plants require more watering until they’re established. The main thing is to use mulch to conserve soil moisture and to water slowly and deeply to encourage roots to migrate downward rather than concentrating near the top. Check soil moisture with a trowel. If the top two inches of soil are dry, you need to water whether or not plants are showing moisture stress. Here’s often you need to water your house plants.
Is It Okay to Hand Water Plants?
Hand watering is fine for containers, but may not be adequate for plants in the ground. The reason is simple: We tend not to water individual plants long enough by hand. Better to let the hose dribble for several minutes around each plant while you scout for weeds, etc.
