Summer is here, and that means it’s time to show your garden some love! Watering at the right time is an easy way to keep your plants happy and healthy. Not only does it help them stay fresh and vibrant, but it also makes your watering more efficient and stress-free. So, get ready to learn the best practices for watering your garden in summer!
1. Water early in the morning
Why is this ideal? Watering early in the morning, usually between 6am and 10am, is widely recommended by gardening experts. Here’s why:
- Less evaporation: Temperatures are cooler in the morning, which reduces water evaporation. This means more water reaches plant roots, where it’s needed.
- Efficient absorption: Watering in the morning enables plants to absorb water before the heat of the day sets in, better preparing them to withstand high temperatures.
- Disease prevention: By watering in the morning, leaves have time to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and mildew.
What to do?
- Use an automatic or manual sprinkler: Program an automatic sprinkler to go off early in the morning, or go out with a watering can or hose to water your plants manually.
- Target the roots: Concentrate water on the base of plants rather than the foliage to maximize efficiency and reduce the risk of disease.
2. Water at the end of the day
Why is this an acceptable alternative? If you can’t water in the morning, doing so at the end of the day, between 5pm and 7pm, is an acceptable alternative. This has several advantages:
- Reduced evaporation: Temperatures start to drop, reducing the rapid evaporation of water.
- Preparation for the night: Plants can absorb water and use this moisture to get through the night without water stress.
Precautions:
- Avoid wet foliage: Try not to wet foliage to minimize the risk of nocturnal diseases.
- Monitor humidity: Make sure the soil is sufficiently moist, but not soggy, to avoid root rot problems.
3. Avoid watering in the middle of the day
Why not? Watering in the middle of the day, when the sun is at its zenith, is generally not recommended for several reasons:
- High evaporation: Intense heat causes water to evaporate rapidly, making watering less effective.
- Thermal stress: Cold water on hot leaves can cause thermal shock to plants, further stressing them.
To keep your garden healthy during the heat of summer, it’s crucial to choose the right time to water. Mornings, between 6 and 10 a.m., are ideal for minimizing evaporation and maximizing absorption. If this is not possible, the end of the day, between 5pm and 7pm, is a good alternative. Avoid watering in the middle of the day to prevent rapid evaporation and heat stress.
