Blog » Plants » What is the best time to Water Plants?
PlantsAugust 15, 2020
2 min read
Plants need water to grow. During the hot weather, extreme temperatures can damage your plants. Therefore, it is essential to follow an effective watering schedule during the summer months & help your green friends flourish.
It is obvious that plants need water to thrive, but when’s the best time to do this is not yet known to many. There are different opinions on when and how to water the plants. But the most appropriate time considered for watering the plants is in the early morning or late evening. These timings are considered favourable as during this period, the sun is at its lowest, which gives ample time for porous soil to absorb water before the temperature rises.
Reasons for watering the plants in the morning:
- Watering plants in the morning boosts their natural growth cycle
- In the morning, plants are ready to absorb ample of water that helps them get through the day’s heat
- Helps the water seep into the garden significantly
- Leaves time to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent fungal diseases in the plants
- The water runs down into the soil and reaches the roots of the plants without too much water lost to evaporation.
Reasons for watering the plants in the evening:
- In the evening or late afternoon, the heat of the day should have mostly passed when the sun is not at its peak. It helps the plants absorb water before the nightfall and will not hamper their growth
- Watering the plants in the evening cuts down on evaporation & gives the plants several hours to take up water into their system
- Make sure the leaves have a little time to dry before night sets in. Because damp leaves at night might encourage fungus problems that can damage your plants
- If you are using a drip, you can water your plants up until nightfall, as the leaves of the plant do not get wet with this form of watering.
Water the plants with care to save time and money and make the most of every drop.
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Apeksha Rawat
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FAQs
And there's your answer. The best time of day to water plants is early morning. This allows roots to fully absorb moisture rather than it going to waste through heat or evaporation and lets them process water more efficiently.
Is it better to water plants in the morning or at night? ›
Morning watering is actually preferable to evening watering as the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down. At night, water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots, and on the foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth, and insects.
How often should I water a fern plant? ›
Remember, proper drainage is crucial, so always choose pots with sufficient holes at the bottom. In the summer months, aim to water your ferns every 4-5 days. During the winter, allow for a longer interval of 7-10 days. Keep in mind these guidelines to ensure your ferns stay healthy and thrive all year round.
Do you water ferns from the top or bottom? ›
Water at the base of the plant: Gently pour water at the base of the fern, ensuring that you wet the soil evenly. Avoid splashing water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Water thoroughly: Continue watering until you see water draining from the bottom of the container.
Should you water potted plants every day? ›
If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. In the spring and fall and in cooler climates, it might be sufficient to water container plants every two to three days. In the summer and in warm climates, container plants usually require daily watering, unless they are succulents or other drought-tolerant xeriscape plants.
When's the best time to water vegetable plants? ›
The Best Time of Day to Water a Vegetable Garden
Watering in the early morning hours means you will lose less water as the air warms and evaporation occurs. When you water vegetables during the morning hours, any water that accumulates on leaves will have the opportunity to dry.
What is the best time to water plants in hot weather? ›
Water your plants in the morning as early as possible. This allows the soil and your plants to absorb more water because in the heat of the day there is more evaporation occurring at the soil surface. Drip irrigation is ideal because it deposits water directly at the soil surface and can be targeted.
What time in the evening should I water my plants? ›
If you forgot to water in the morning, there's still that window in the late afternoon, between 3-5pm. That time, when the sun is almost setting, is perfect because the temperature has already started dropping. In addition, there is also enough sun to aid in water evaporation.
Is it better to water plants from the top or bottom? ›
Once a month, we recommend to flush your plant from the top down when watering to remove any salt buildup from fertilizer deposits. Bottom watering from the base of the plant can pull the salts back up into the roots, which show up as browning tips and edges on leaves.
What fertilizer for ferns? ›
Ferns are relatively light feeders compared to many other foliage plants. They prefer a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-10-20 or 20-20-20, with micronutrients applied at approximately 200 ppm nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can cause tip burn on the roots and leaves if the plant becomes dry.
If the wilted leaves are turning yellow or falling off, then your Fern is being over watered. In addition, if you notice green or grey mossy growth on the top of the soil, this is another indication that the plant is waterlogged. Over watering can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases.
What does Epsom salt do for ferns? ›
The added magnesium from Epsom salt can also encourage the production of new leaves, ensuring that your ferns remain lush and vibrant. With these benefits, your ferns will thrive and look their best.
Can you water ferns with tap water? ›
Tap water in most municipal areas is chlorinated, and many plants (like ferns, aroids, and many orchids) suffer from any chlorine in the water.
Is it better to water plants once or twice a day? ›
Watering Container Plants
Pots absorb heat, which can stress plant roots, and the soil in them dries out much faster than soil in the ground. Container plants generally need to be watered daily. During really hot weather, you may need to even water twice a day, especially smaller containers.
Should you water in the heat of the day? ›
When. Hands down, the best time of day to water is early in the morning. Watering during the day can increase risk of disease. If you can't water early in the morning, water late in the evening, especially before days forecasted to have dangerously high temps.
How many seconds should you water plants? ›
Provide Slow, Deep Watering
If you are unsure how long to water new plants, aim for 30-60 seconds for small plants – longer for larger plants while moving the hose to a few locations around the plant. Avoid watering when the soil feels moist. The earth must be allowed to dry out between watering.
