49+ Gardening Experts Reveal Their Best Tips for Watering Plants
On this page
- 1. What is the best time of day to water your plants?
- 2. What are common mistakes on watering plants?
- 3. What is the best time to water plants in summer?
- 4. What are hot summer tips for watering the plants?
- 5. What are golden rules for watering plants?
- 6. What are the best tips for watering your plants?
- Final Thoughts
Do you think water is the only thing you need to let your plants survive the summer heat? Well, think again!
Whether you are a gardening novice or a green thumb expert, the proper watering system is something you should not overlook. While many first-time gardeners make the mistake of carelessly sprinkling water on the plants, we would not want you to do the same mistake. Hence, in this article, you will discover interesting and efficient watering techniques and tips, as well as some watering mistakes that you should avoid, straight from the gardening experts.
Since summer is fast approaching, we think that plant watering techniques would be an excellent and relevant topic that is worth the discussion. We have asked dozens of gardening experts and enthusiasts to share their secret and advice on how to keep your plants alive and healthy by asking them the following questions:
- What is the best time of day to water your plants?
- What are common mistakes on watering plants?
- What are hot summer tips for watering the plants?
- What are golden rules for watering plants?
- What are the best tips for watering your plants?
Without further ado, check out what these gardening experts have to say about the best-ever tips and rules for watering the plants!
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49+ Gardening Experts
#1. What is the best time of day to water your plants?
#2. What are common mistakes on watering plants?
#3. What is the best time to water plants in summer?
#4. What are hot summer tips for watering the plants?
#5. What are golden rules for watering plants?
#6. What are the best tips for watering your plants?
1. What is the best time of day to water your plants?
Joe is a seasoned host of television programs, such as Fresh From the Garden and the brilliant mind behind the successful blog– Joe Gardener that teaches people how to grow crops from their own backyard garden. His expertise is not left unnoticed as he has been a familiar face in ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today Show and is considered as one of the most reliable personalities in the world of gardening.
- The absolute best time to water plants and lawns is during the dew cycle to mimic Mother Nature’s timing on when plant foliage would naturally be wet. Two reasons. First, minimizing the time foliage stays wet is always the objective to cut down on the risks of promoting plant diseases. Second, giving plants a chance to take up as much water as they need before the stresses of the day come on strong, allows the plants to internally manage their hydration needs, by storing or releasing excess moisture.
Edible gardens and beautiful landscapes are just two of Bren’s favorite topics in her blog Creative Living. Bren started her interest in gardening as early as 2003 and is considered to be one of the Top 10 Garden Bloggers as listed on Garden Celebrity by P. Allen Smith. In 2016, Bren was also featured by NatureHills.com as one of the Top 8 Gardening Accounts on Twitter.
- The biggest mistake I ever made in my home garden was watering my large veggie garden with a sprinkler hooked up to the hose during the hottest hours of the day. Little did I know this not only wasn’t providing much moisture to my drying out veggies but it may have been scorching their leaves making the plant struggle. Over the years I have learned in my large vegetable garden which measures roughly 40’x 60’ is to run soaker hoses at the base of each plant. The hoses are turned on for about 1 hour as needed in the early morning just as the sun is rising.
Noelle is the AZ Plant Lady behind the successful blog with the same name- AZ Plant Lady. Noelle had a degree in Urban Horticulture from Arizona State University and a certification in ISA Certified Arborist last 2004. As a horticulturist, Noelle aims to discover more of the mysteries of gardening while sharing everything she learned with her readers. She is a landscape consultant and certified arborist by profession and a freelance garden writer by heart.
- Early morning is the best time to water plants, including lawns. One reason for this is that watering in the middle of the day results in water loss to evaporation before roots have a chance to absorb the water. On hot days, plants have a hard time absorbing water due to the stress that heat causes. Irrigating in the evening or at night should be avoided as it leaves plants susceptible to fungal diseases because the leaves stay wet for a long time. Finally, applying water in the morning helps plants absorb water in preparation for the day and the stresses it brings.
Christy is a dedicated organic gardener who also hosted a lifestyle show, The Garden of Life: Whole Life Wellness Through Gardening, Fitness, and Food. She believes that gardening is a creative outlet of eating healthy food and doing a little bit of exercise. She is also active in blogging though her blog – Gardenerd, a one-stop site and the ultimate guide for a productive organic garden.
- It depends. If you live along the coast where powdery mildew and other fungal infestations manifest easily, then water in the morning to give the leaf surfaces a chance to dry off by the end of the day. If you live in a hot location inland where water evaporates quickly, water at the end of the day so plant roots can enjoy a moist, cool evening.
Julie Thompson-AdolfGarden Delights
Julie, grower of all things organic, including three kids. She is a Master Gardener, heirloom specialist, owner of Garden Delights, and lover of all things garden and nature-related. She write the blog Garden Delights, a chronicle of growing gardens, growing green, growing locavores, growing kids, and growing one day at a time. Following along as they travel the world in search of beautiful gardens, ecoadventures with kids, and fabulous local food.
- When and how to water plants presents a challenge in our South Carolina heat.Of course, the common advice is to water the garden in the morning, allowing theplants to hydrate early to withstand the brutal summer heat. If you’re handwatering, it’s also good for you—who wants to stand in the blazing sun with a watering wand?
- Most importantly, though, I focus on the “how” to water the garden. Drip irrigationhelps ensure that water reaches the roots and doesn’t splash on the plants’leaves, which can spread disease from the soil. Additionally, in areas thatexperience severe drought—which included much of South Carolina lastyear—we need to be very careful not to waste water, and drip irrigation thattargets roots helps reduce run off and wasted water.
- For vegetable gardens and ornamentals, morning watering of about an inch perweek is ideal. (My rule of thumb: I stick my index finger about an inch into the soilat the plant’s base. If it’s moist, no watering needed.) However, containers posea different challenge. I often water containers twice a day during the peaksummer heat: once in the morning, and again in late afternoon. Remember thatnutrients will leech out of the containers’ drainage holes when you water, so don’tforget to add a good, organic fertilizer periodically to keep your plants healthyand productive.
Randy is the driving force behind the successful blog, the Home, Garden and Homestead and is the membership chairperson of GWA: The Association of Garden Communicators. His blog Home, Garden and Homestead is also a service of a company that provides information, product, and services related to personal care, home, and garden.
- Most plants appreciate early morning watering. Watering early in the day gives the plants a chance to rehydrate before the heat of the day sets in. Watering early also gives leaves a chance to dry out, and that minimizes fungus diseases such as black spot and downy mildew.
Kris is the owner and main writer of Growing Wild Roots. Kris and her husband are a proud owner of the farm where they conduct farm experiments and learn everything there is to know about permaculture. Growing Wild Roots is a website for aspiring gardeners and farmers who love to bring their outdoor adventure to a whole new level.
- Here at the Growing Wild Roots Farm, we made the very worthwhile investment of a timer for our watering system. We have it set for the early morning, from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM. This allows us to monitor that it is working after we get up, while still allowing us to benefit from early watering. We choose the morning primarily because this is the time that is suggested by our local water restrictions. Watering in the cool of the AM allows for more efficient use and less evaporation. It also means that plants are receiving their drink before the stress of a high heat afternoon. We do also water in the evening if we have been planting or transplanting.
On top of being a loving wife and a mother of two adorable daughters, Mindy is also a part-time writer and media consultant. Her personal experience of sufficient living made her realized the importance of growing and making your own food. Healthy recipes and efficient tips on homesteading are what you can learn from her blog “Purposefully Simple”.
- The best time to water your plants is typically in the early morning because the water can seep into the soil without evaporating and can give the plants a boost of water to get through the day. However, the best time for me has always been near dusk when the kids are winding down for bed, and I can sneak out for some quiet garden time. It’s worked fine for my plants and me!
Buzz is not your ordinary dad blogger who talks blogs about family adventures. Buzz shares so much more than just your typical parenting tips; he also ventures on other interesting things that all fathers and their kids could enjoy together such as traveling, cooking, doing DIY renovations, and backyard gardening. His blog- DadCAMP- has already been featured and recognized by numerous publications and prominent websites such as The Vancouver Sun, Cision Navigator (one of the most influential Dad Blog in Canada), and Huffington Post (one of the 15 Best Parenting Tweeters).
- Don’t water your plants at night. Keeping plants dry at night minimizes the pests. Water your plants in the morning, and they’ll have something they can use through the heat of the day. Nights are cool enough they don’t need the moisture (and you don’t need the bugs).
Edward Sloane is the torchbearer of the successful website – Garden Benches. It is a site dedicated to all people who love to spend their time planning and designing their garden. The site also features stylish garden benches which are made from high-quality materials.
- Personally, I prefer to water plants early on or late on in the day. Especially on warm and sunny days, evaporation can take a fair bit of water away from plants. By getting to them whilst the sun is in hiding, plants can take more of the moisture. They’ll be better prepared when the sun does come out, too.
Amy is a homesteader and the owner of Smokey Hollow Homestead. Amy and her family have been living a sustainable lifestyle in their 10 acres of land in Tennessee. If she is not homeschooling her three children, you can mostly see her spending most of her time in the kitchen, barn, or garden where she mostly grows vegetables and herbs. Her passion towards gardening allows Amy to save a lot of cash from buying store-bought vegetables.
- Personally, I think the best time to water plants is in the evening, just before the sun goes down. In the hot summer temperatures, soil gets dried out during the day. Watering in the evening allows the moisture to stay around the plants longer due to the cooler temps at night and the sun not being out to dry it up so quickly.
Sarah the Gardener has lived up to the title by giving her readers so much more to learn about gardening through her blog Sarah the Gardener. Living on three acres of land in Waikato New Zealand, Sarah has discovered her love for gardening and is now writing interesting topics about her interest. She writes a wide range of gardening topics, and she has also published three successful gardening books: Growing Vegetables, The Good Life, and Play in the Garden.
- First thing in the morning before the heat of the day, so the moisture gets a chance to sink in. Midday isn’t ideal as the evaporation is strong and the moisture will disappear before it gets a chance to sink in. The evening is better than midday but things stay damper longer, and this increases the risk of fungal disease. But you can only do what you can do, so any time can be the best time. If the plant is wilting – water it. A deep watering every few days better than a brief sprinkle every day to get the water right down into the root zone.
Brian AshworthAnewhouse.com.au
Brian is a British-born civil engineer, who currently resides in Australia, and is also the prime mover of anewhouse.com.au. He is interested in housing and anything related to domestic architecture including how to plan and build a house and how to better care for a lawn garden to capture a satisfying architectural style.
- Where I live in Melbourne Australia, typical summer temperatures range from 30 – 40 degrees C (86-104 degrees F). In spite of the hot temperatures I only water in the evenings twice a week from Spring through to late Autumn. This watering regime allows the water to soak through the mulch into the soil with minimal evaporation, and encourages plants to develop deeper roots to be able to last between watering.
Samantha is your go-to expert when it comes to apiculture, also known as honey bee farming. Together with her business and life partner (as she prefers to call him) – Paul, Samantha shares her expertise in apiary and agricultural conservation through her blog Runamuk Acres. Following the site’s mission “Bee-friendly farming for a more sustainable tomorrow,” Runamuk Acres offers gardeners relevant tips about bee-friendly garden and how to produce beeswax products, as well as growing fresh vegetables in your garden.
- At Runamuk Acres I prefer to water in the morning. Many crops, such as the cucurbits and nightshade family, are prone to fungal diseases like powdery mildew or late-blight that thrives in wet conditions. The cooler temperatures of night cause moisture to linger on the leaves and promote an inviting environment for fungi to take hold. I’ve found I have much better success when avoiding night-time watering and allowing sufficient time for plants to dry before nightfall.
Louise Houghton
Louise is a wife to Jon and a mother to her two sons. After spending 7 years in semi-rural Greater Manchester, Louise and her family decided to move to a spacious four acres of land 13 miles away from Aber. She is currently blogging about her new life home and large field which she shares through her blog – Living The Good Life in Wales.
- Hi! I love sowing and growing! Watering isn’t always necessary where I live, but with the beautiful weather recently it has been. Luckily I have 2 large water butts into which rainwater from our outbuildings runs. It’s always best to water at the start of the day before temperatures rise and in the evening when things have cooled down. In our fruit area on our little homestead I take the view the trees, canes and fruit bushes we planted are settled so rarely water them. With potatoes I consider potato farmers don’t water their crops manually so why should I?
Diana Marmont
Diana is the proud owner of the gardening website – A Modern Homesteader and is currently residing in the greater area of Seattle. She is a full-time homesteader and blogs about her exciting lifestyle together with her mother. Seeing is how people’s lifestyle made a quick turn in modernization by living a busy and stress-filled life, Diana wants to make a difference and decided to bring back the quality of life through modern homesteading.
- Living in the Pacific Northwest, I tend to do my watering in the early to late evening as the sun is low on the horizon. There are a few reasons for this but I do it primarily for water conservation, and it seems to work best for me. This area has more a mild Mediterranean climate which makes it ideal for growing many things. On our hottest days, an early morning watering has a high evaporation rate. So, I prefer to water low to the ground, avoiding leaves, in early to late evening.
Ron MelchioreInTheWilderness.net
Ron and Johanna are the power couple who runs the successful website – Off Grid and Free My Path to the Wilderness! Ron is a certified homesteader and a self-confess outdoorsman. Together with his wife, they have been published in several Magazines and Journals such as the Small Farmer’s Journal and BackHome magazine; they also appeared in a documentary book titled “Life off Grid.” At present, Ron is a major blog contributor in several websites like MotherEarth News.
- At Off Grid and Free: My Path to the Wilderness, we have gardened in an extreme climate north of the 56th parallel for 17 years. We have found watering in the morning to be the best time. This gives the plants a chance to dry off before night time thus reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Furthermore, watering the greenhouse in the AM allowed the water to soak in thus minimizing problems from high humidity levels during the cool nights.
As the author and chief editor of SA Decor and Design, Marcia is a professional and expert designer and decorator for over two decades. Her expertise in the field has allowed her to learn and incorporate new designs. SA Decor and Design is more than just a design-centered website as it also features informational blogs about how to make your home environment-friendly by incorporating greenery inside the house.
- With a drought and water restrictions occurring in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa at the moment, we are feeding our garden with more nutrients and using mulch to counter these adverse circumstances. When we do water, my first choice would be in the early am. The second best time to water a vegetable garden is in the late afternoon or early evening. If you are watering vegetables in the late afternoon, the heat of the day should have mostly passed, but there should still be enough sun left to dry the plants a bit before night falls.
Laura is a graduate of Horticulture and loves everything about nature. She is also the proud owner of Humid Garden, her personal blog which aims to inspire average people and aspiring gardeners alike about gardening and horticulture. Her interests in gardening is a passion rooted from her childhood days which she continuously cultivates at present through blogging and sharing her expertise in perennials, tropical, succulents, houseplants, and vegetables.
- Generally, the best time of day to water your plants is the morning. It’s because most of the water you apply to those plants will evaporate very quickly if you do that in the middle of the day. So, the watering is almost meaningless; and if you do the watering task in the evening, there’s a high chance the water will stay on the foliage throughout the night – that is the ideal environment for various plant diseases to thrive.
2. What are common mistakes on watering plants?
RJ Laverne is manager of education and training for the Davey Tree Expert Company. He is an International Society of Arboriculture, Board Certified Master Arborist and American Society of Consulting Arborists, Registered Consulting Arborist. Laverne has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Michigan, B.S. in Forestry from Michigan Technological University and a M.S. in Remote Sensing from the University of Michigan. Additionally, RJ is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Urban Planning at Cleveland State University and conducting new research on soundscape ecology and how the devastation from emerald ash borer effects urban sounds.
One of the most common misconceptions about tree care is that trees don’t need to be watered like the lawn or garden, says RJ Laverne, the manager of education and training at The Davey Tree Expert Company.
Wilting, curly leaves or untimely fall color and early leaf drop are signs of an under-watered tree. Learn how to water your tree properly with these tips from Laverne below.
- The best time to water is in the morning. Run a sprinkler beneath the tree as slowly as you can while using a drip hose, or just apply a slow trickle from a collapsible garden hose. Avoid irrigating the trunk of the tree directly as the additional moisture can favor root rot.
- Tree roots are deeper than turf roots, so water about three times as long as you water your lawn to make sure enough moisture reaches the root zone. You should be able to easily insert a long screwdriver 6-8 inches into the ground. A Davey Tree care tip: place a coffee or soup can in the “drip zone” and run the sprinkler slowly until two inches of water has collected in the can.
- “Do not pile mulch around the base of your tree, a condition we arborists refer to as mulch volcanoes,” warns RJ Laverne. “Thick piles of mulch can reduce water and air infiltration into the soil, which can create an unwanted environment for decay organisms to attack the base of the tree.”
- Instead, it’s much better to apply a broad ring of mulch about 2 to 3 inches deep that does not touch the base of the tree, advises Laverne. “Mulch donuts are better than mulch volcanoes.” To achieve this, pull mulch back 6 inches from the trunk of the tree in a saucer like fashion.
Heather CallaghanNaturalBlaze.com
Heather is the co-founder and the chief editor of Natural Blaze. She is an independent writer, researcher, speaker, and an activist on food freedom. Heather’s expertise doesn’t stop there as she is also a recognized self-referencing IITM practitioner, which makes her a credible coach on vast aspects of life.
- I think a lack of consistency and moderation is the crux of any problem with watering plants. Perfect example – when a well-meaning family member killed my African Violet because they shocked it with cold water. When a plant is dehydrated it’s tempting to then over-water, but plants are sensitive to drowning, and I imagine, mineral loss. We should be careful to forego Internet advice of pouring other liquids into the soil (ex. coffee). Tip: when watering, gently rub the dust off the leaves with a damp paper towel to better help them excel.
Nell is a horticulture and design expert from Santa Barbara, California. She is the proud founder of Joy Us Garden, a blog site that educates and inspires a lot of readers through its well-researched and relevant posts about gardening. Aside from being a credible garden blogger, Nell is also an author of the book titled “Keep Your Houseplants Alive”.
- Avoid too much of a good thing. Overwatering is the big mistake, but this goes one step further. You don’t want to water the same in winter as you would in summer. Houseplants need to rest in the cooler, darker months and can rot out if you water them too much or too often.
George leads the dedicated team of Primrose, a website established in 2003. Primrose is a family-run online business retailer that provides quality and a wide range of products that take a whole lot of load off your shoulder with regards to home and gardening tasks. George and his team have extensive knowledge when it comes to wide range of products including the ones you must have in your garden.
- Watering too frequently. Even when the surface looks dry, the deep soil may be waterlogged. The leaves wilt and turn yellow. Put your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle and only water if your fingertip is dry. Move overwatered plants to a sheltered, breezy spot to recover.
- Not watering deep enough. If you just hose the leaves, the water doesn’t soak into the deep soil where the roots absorb it. This leads to surface roots, making the plant unstable. Water directly at the base of the plant.
- Not watering enough, especially in summer. Container plants may need watering daily.
Mary Jane is an avid gardener who started her own blog, Home for the Harvest. In her blog, Mary Jane posts interesting posts about organic gardening by using plant-based products and preparing nourishing food. She also makes sure to apply what she blogs about and wants to encourage her readers to live a healthier life through organic lifestyle.
- One mistake I made when learning to the garden was trying to follow a strict watering schedule. Now I take the time to observe soil moisture levels, weather trends and my plants themselves. Observing the growing environment and adjusting both automated and hand watering accordingly has been far more successful than following a strict watering schedule.
Steve is the owner of Goodgame Apiaries and Homestead blog. It is an excellent resource website for people who are interested in bee-friendly garden and backyard beekeeping tips. Steve also grows vegetables in his garden and shares his experiences in homesteading.
- Plants are like people. We all like different things, and plants are no different. Know what your plants like, and they will thrive. Watering the plants is crucial… but it is more than just making sure they all get watered. You need to be sure that your plants get the right amount… the amount they like. Some require much more water than others, and some thrive with much less. Get to know your plants, treat them like they want to be treated, and watch them thrive.
Jeff is the founder of Galactic Farms, an urban farming destination, as well as a center for education that operates in Missoula, Montana. Together with Melissa Moore, Jeff started Galactic Farms with a mission of exemplifying the process of growing edible plants in unexpected places where people though it wouldn’t be possible.
- Test your water especially if you’re in a municipality. Chlorine and Chlormine used as a disinfectant in water systems can cause problems for your garden biome. If your water source uses chlorine, gardeners can aerate their water to remove it. Chlormine is more of a challenge to remove so gardeners may want to look for other sources of water like rainwater catchment.
Melody is a graduate of Practical Nurse, holds a master’s Degree in Education, and a certified homesteader. She has mastered the frugal living by being self-sufficient and practicing a sustainable living through gardening and farming, which she shares in her blog Countrified Hicks.
- The most common water mistakes that we have found are overwatering or underwatering or watering in the heat of the day. If you water when it is super hot, the water can actually scald your plants and kill them. We water early in the morning and late at night. To see if the plant needs water, we insert our finger (next to the plant) down to the first knuckle. If it is moist, it does not need water. If it is dry, you need to water it.
Ethan is affiliated with Staple Search, a resource center and review site that reviews a wide range of products. It is a trusted site that is run by professionals who have first-hand experience with the products being reviewed. Ethan and the rest of Staple Search team provide the readers with honest and unbiased reviews, which the readers specifically commended.
- Watering plant planning is a great idea, but the most and the common problem is that most of people don’t know the real way to do the perfect watering plants system. Most of the people think, if he/she is out of lake or pond in his/her house, he/she can not do watering plants, but it is not actually. If anyone wants, he/she can do a watering plant system in his/her house veranda in a big basket. It’s really very easy. Just you need a big or medium size basket, water, trees and related few easy tools. That’s all.
Susan is an acknowledged poet, writer, and blogger. She has published several poems and stories in national literary magazines and is currently a regular contributor of short fiction @cowbird.com. In her personal blog – Susan Sink, she mostly shares her experiences about local foods in Central Minnesota, gardening, religion, and writing.
- I did think about it and thanked you for asking me. What I’ve thought as I’ve been watering plants, in a greenhouse and out, and wondering what the heck happened to my tomato seedlings in the greenhouse (the leftovers) and whether it was too much water or not enough or just plain old baking in the sun… I really am not qualified to offer anyone advice! But do keep me on the list, as you might hit a topic that I have something worthwhile to add to the discussion.
3. What is the best time to water plants in summer?
Michael EdwardsOrganicLifestyleMagazine
Michael is the editor-in-chief of Organic Lifestyle Magazine (OLM), a website that shares a wide range of topics about organic living. Organic Lifestyle Magazine is a place that will satisfy your daily dose of organic lifestyle knowledge. From nutritional and alternative methods to organic diet plans, this website is the perfect stop.
- I don’t water my planes the normal way. I plant over old tree logs buried in the ground, and I take a soda bottle with a hole in the lid and turn it upside down in the dirt to drip if the dirt seems very dry. Usually, the plants get plenty of water from the dead tree logs.
Avery is one of the creative and dedicated minds behind the successful company of gardeners, the Gardener’s Supply Company. Gardener’s Supply is pioneer when it comes to gardening know-how and gardening tools, and products. Being founded in 1983, the company has survived the test of time and even more stronger than before. The company is currently a forerunner in providing garden-tested solutions, which can help a lot of gardeners in their everyday gardening challenges and concerns.
- The best time to water your plants is in the morning. Watering in the morning allows moisture to dry off leaves, which reduces your chances of diseases on the foliage. When you do water, be sure to water deeply and thoroughly, and focus on the root zone! You also want to water only when needed. Soil moisture sensors and automatic timers are especially useful for this.
Todd is a natural born gardener who also happens to be interested in photography, which he uses in most of his blogs in Big Blog of Gardening. He blogs about a variety of gardening topics, but his top interest is in organic gardening. Big Blog of Gardening is an excellent site to gather relevant information about how to care for flowers, vegetables, and lawn without using toxic materials.
- The only time to water plants in the heat of summer is early in the morning before they’re exposed to the sun. Otherwise, the water evaporates quickly and helps little. To avoid fungal disease, only the root zone should be watered – try to keep the foliage as dry as possible. This is especially important for tomatoes in high humidity and for perennials and annuals which are prone to fungal infections like powdery mildew. And never overwater – plants only need about 1″ of water a week – so if it rains, you’re excused.
Jeff is the editor-in-chief of an eminent website, the Nature Hills. Nature Hills started as a local tree nursery site, but the success of the site resulted to offering a wider range of tree and shrub products. The site’s increasing traffic speaks so much of the expertise of the people behind it.
- Plants, soil types, exposure, and the climate you are in will dictate your watering schedule. Water deep and thorough, and as needed to prevent your plants from being stressed. Water the roots, not the leaves and you will notice less disease. Morning watering is best, but if you are careful and only watering the roots, then you can water whenever you have time.
Justin, the prime mover of Costa Farms, has a passion for outdoor gardening which reflects a lot of the success of the site. Costa Farms is a third-generation business and is run by people who hold so much knowledge about growing flowering plants specifically for tropical places and landscapes. At present, Costa Farms is more than just a company, but it also serves as a resource for information about flowers and houseplants.
- I prefer to water plants first thing in the morning, so my plants are well hydrated before the heat of the day. It’s more comfortable for me and it’s good on my pocketbook because there’s less moisture less to evaporation than if you water when the sun is high, and temperatures soar. I also prefer the efficiency of watering with a soaker hose to keep the moisture under the mulch and more readily available to my plants.
Scott is the managing director of Mainland Aggregates Ltd., a family-owned company geared towards providing recycled and decorative aggregates for your home and garden. The company take pride in offering advice available from their site, as well as the techniques on how to utilise and apply the aggregates.
- The best time to water plants in the summer is either very early in the morning before the sun comes up, or later on in the evening as the sun is setting. If you must water them during the hottest part of the day, then use a watering can rather than a hosepipe and avoid getting any of the leaves wet as they can end up burning in the hot sun.
Watt is more than just a husband to his wife but also a certified homesteader. His blog Homesteading How To has just started, but his knowledge about homesteading is uprooted from his own experience.
- The very best time to water plants in your vegetable garden is in the early morning while it is cool. This allows the water to penetrate the roots of your plants without any excess loss due to heat vaporation. It also makes water available to your plants throughout the day to deal with the heat from the sun.
- Sometimes, it’s not always possible to water in the early mornings. The second best time is late afternoon or early evening while the sun’s heat has mostly passed. This can reduce evaporation but the leaves time for plants to dry some before nightfall. Moisture can lead to fungi which are not good for your plants.
Gardening has been a hobby for Bilal Sajjad since his childhood. He owns an organic garden and takes its full responsibility from planting to growing vegetables. Gardening makes him fit and agile throughout the day. The homegrown vegetables are also something loved by his whole family.
- A plants use of, and their need for, water is greatest during the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis of course is the process by which plants use light to synthesize food from carbon dioxide and water.
- Assuming your plants have access only to natural light, the best time to water your plants would be in the very early morning, as the sun is rising and the process of photosynthesis is gearing up for the day.
4. What are hot summer tips for watering the plants?
Jessica is the woman behind The 104 Homestead and a self-confess homesteader. She is a wife and a mother of three children who believes in the potential of “homesteading” as a way to get back to the traditional life of growing your own vegetables and crops without the need to move to the countryside and have a large piece of land for farming.
- Water garden beds in the morning and potted plants in the afternoon. Potted plants tend to dry out quickly in the late afternoon sun. By watering in the afternoon, you are loading them up, so the water is handy during the worst of the temperatures. Garden beds need time to absorb water before the noon heat arrives. By watering in the morning, the water has a chance to soak down to root level.
Chris Dalziel is a certified DIY lover, homestead advocate, and the creator of Joybilee Farm. Chris believes in the joy and fulfillment when everything is handmade. She is a trusted community herbalist and an award-winning fiber artist who use her genuinity to create her own medium of homesteading. She currently resides in a log house located in the mountains where she can cultivate and continue her passion for handmade lifestyle.
- Mulch is so important, but it comes with a few negatives, especially in short season areas. Some years we have less than 60 days frost free in zone 3. Every week counts when you are short season gardening.
- You don’t have time to reseed and try again. I use 2 nd or 3rd cut alfalfa hay for mulch, rather than the typical wood chips. Second and third cut hay is weed free and also free of seeds. It is abundant and affordable in our area, which is cattle ranch country. The mulch holds in moisture and reduces weed competition, while the alfalfa breaks down in one season and nourishes the growing plants.
- But mulch also harbours slugs. The more moisture in the soil, the more we are troubled with little grey slugs that devour the plants both morning and evening. To compensate, while convention says that you shouldn’t water in the middle of the day, I try to time my watering in mid-morning, so that it is finished by 5pm. This gives the plant leaves time to dry off before nightfall, which, in our cooler climate, reduces powdery mildew as well as discouraging slugs. The mulch keeps the moisture from evaporating even on very hot days. Then to deal with the slugs hiding in the mulch, handpicking in the morning and at dusk, keeps the population manageable.
Dan is a suburban steader who is driven by the passion of becoming self-reliant. He is living with his wife, two kids, and his dog and has started his blogging career last 2013. In his website Suburban Steader, Dan mostly shares interesting and relevant information about gardening, personal health, self-protection, and financial stability, which he proudly learned from his own experiences and experiments.
- Personally, I’m a big fan of automated drip irrigation. This approach ensures that your plants are getting all the water loving they need and it reduces one chore on your end. Automated drip irrigation also alleviates the stress that sever drenching can have on plants. And, to top it off, you can put the irrigation tubing below your mulch so that the water doesn’t have to fight through the mulch to get to the soil. Win, win, win in my book.
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- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Matthew is an advocate of sustainable living, who wants to share the same passion and share the opportunity with his children. He is the impelling power behind the blog- Opportunity Farm. As the name suggest, Opportunity Farm is a place where aspiring farmers and gardeners can find their opportunities to start a homesteading life. Matthew hopes that his farming and gardening activities could pass on a positive outlook towards homesteading.
- Water low and water slow. Use drippers for an hour rather than firing the hose for a few seconds. Put lots of mulch around the roots of the plant using straw or hay that will keep the soil cool and let the water through. Water early in the day, and later in the evening – avoid watering in the heat of the day. Keep the nutrients up by adding tea to the water now and again. Watch the growth of the plants carefully to assess whether you are watering too much or too little.
5. What are golden rules for watering plants?
Marla founded the blog Organic 4 Greenlivings with a goal of saving the planet earth through green and organic living. In her blog, Marla’s mission is centered on educating people about how to select safe products and cook healthy recipes by promoting environment-friendly ways and methods in all aspects of life.
Plants need water to grow and thrive, and if there is not enough of rain, then we have to take Nature into our own hands and give our plants the essential water they need.
- Never water your plants in the heat of the day – either early morning or evening.
- Try to keep your plants evenly watered, only water when necessary. Letting them dry out a little can help root growth.
- When possible, try to use some kind of water-saving technique such as a timer on your hose or an automatic irrigation system.
- Make sure your water the earth and not the leaves.
- Make sure the water reaches the roots with the proper quantity of water.
- Mulch to keep the soil moist and provide good rich clay soil for your plants.
Kelly is not just your typical garden blogger as she is also a sought-after brand ambassador. Her blog, Kelly’s Thoughts on Things, has caught the attention of many because of its honest and intensive posts, especially in the review content. Kelly writes and talks a lot of things on her blog, which includes diverse topics in fashion, travel, health, beauty, technology, DIY crafts, and gardening.
- When watering plants, make sure that you do not over water them or drown the plant. I know sometimes we are afraid that we are not giving enough water to our plants, but too much water can damage the plants. Slowly water the plants. Also, water early in the morning or later in the evening, this is what we usually do.
David from Stewart Timber, a successful online merchant of quality timber products, is an expert when it comes to garden sheds that would work well on gazebos, garden fences, and other timber products.
As we’re based in (not-so) sunny Scotland, our golden rules are most applicable to climates with rain, wind and very little risk of drought.
- Even if it’s been raining all week, some plants still need a bit of water. One good example is hanging baskets. When the wind blows, the rainwater disappears at a much faster rate and baskets or other exposed plants need a bit of help. If you can, then choose larger pots which will hold more water and make sure you remember to check these on a regular basis.
- But at the same time… know when to stop! Do you know the signs of an overwatered plant? Browning leaves can be a sign of many things, including too much water. If the leaves are brown but the soil is damp then stay away from the watering can for a day and see how it goes. Yellow, falling leaves are another good indicator that a plant is feeling a bit too damp to thrive.
- Water at the same time each day. If possible, of course. Even the most green-fingered among us have lives outside the garden! Early morning is best, as the plants are ready for it. If this isn’t possible, avoid midday, when water can actually heat up and burn plants, and wait until late afternoon. Avoid evening, too. Water won’t evaporate much overnight and plants will be left sodden until the sun reappears.
Marvin is the founder of Farming Style, a blog site committed to providing relevant information about backyard farming specially targeted for beginners. Farming Style is a site that updates its readers with interesting and recent topics about animal care and gardening. They blog about in-house plantation and backyard gardening, as well as about breeding and health care of animals and pets.
- So many beginner gardeners complain about how difficult watering indoor plants is, yet it is so simple. One just has to abandon his old beliefs. If you think that watering once a week is enough or that there is a specific and unchanging quantity of water to be given at each watering, you’d better let go such convictions and rather apply this simple golden rule of mine:
- Abundantly water your plants, enough to humidify the whole root ball, then wait until the potting soil becomes dry before watering again.
- Of course, the potting soil of different plants dries at different paces. Hence, Hydrangea’s soil would dry up in just 3 or 4 days while the African Violet’s needs 7 to 8 days. For cactus, it may even take up to 3 weeks.
Neha BarabdeUgaoo.com
Neha is one of the prime movers of UGAOO, a successful gardening website that is based in India. Neha, together with the entire UGAOO team, shares the same interest in gardening and aims to help their readers in resolving gardening woes and issues. With an in-depth knowledge of gardening, Neha provides help on various topics such as gardening products, organic gardening, and garden design ideas.
- Five golden rules on watering plants:
- Either Inadequate or overwatering, both can lead to the injury or death of plants. Frequent, light watering is preferred over infrequent heavy watering.
- Do not water near the base of the plant. It will expose roots and it may cause root rotting too. Water evenly throughout the container.
- Pots can be watered both, from top by conventional shower method (Flowering plants) and bottom by soaking or capillary method. (Cacti and succulents)
- When you are on holidays, and plants are left on their own, it is better to group them. The moistened wick is placed in pots, and another end of it is immersed in a bucket filled with water.
- Plants in bloom or fruiting stage require more water than those in young stages of growth or those which are newly potted.
Lacey is a proud owner of a run-down farmhouse with 40 acres of farm where she and her husband- Jasper- is currently growing their organic garden and root cellar. When she is not blogging in her blog– Sprout & Sprig, she gets her hands full with gardening and farming works while making sure she enjoys every single moment of it.
- I would say the number one golden rule for watering plants is to be consistent. Five to ten minutes every day in warm climates, and every other day in cooler climates is more than enough. Know your plant’s specific needs as well. Most vining plants (tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins, etc.) don’t like their leaves to get wet – it can lead to powdery mildew and other diseases.
Richard Clayton is an owner of a small gardening shop and a lawn care blog. He love gardening, especially lawn care. He canspend all of his free time taking care of his lawn and discuss about lawn care experiences with his friends, who have the same hobby as him. His website is a playground of us, where we can discuss everything about lawn care techniques.
- I would like to share my experience about watering plants. I usually water the plants in the early morning. Because at that time, the weather is not too hot, so there is no fast evaporation and the water will be able to absorb deeper into the soil. Besides that, if you water your plants in the afternoon, it may cause a moist condition. That is the perfect chance for moss to invade your lawn. Watering in the early morning will help you get rid of this threat.
6. What are the best tips for watering your plants?
Laurie NevermanCommonSenseHome
Laurie is the founder and creator of Common Sense Homesteading. When she is not blogging about the homesteading lifestyle, Laurie enjoys the time being an average wife and mother. In her blog, she shares her expertise on being a self-reliance guru through topics like homesteading, home remedies, healthy recipes, and other interesting topics about gardening.
- Use a safe organic mulch to reduce the need for watering. (Some hay and straw now contain herbicide residue, so be careful.) Water your garden in the morning, so plants have a chance to dry before evening. This will reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Foliar feed with compost tea or fish emulsion to give your plants extra nutrition while you water.
Alecia HornerChicken Scratch NY
Alecia is a degree holder of BS Wildlife Science but has a passion for gardening, cooking, and doing DIY crafts. She runs the website – Chicken Scratch where she shares interesting posts about DIY projects, recipes, farming, and gardening.
- Yes, I did. I don’t really water my plants; I always forget potted plants so I avoid growing things I can’t stick in the ground. I’m lucky to live in the North East where we have pretty consistent rain. It also helps to grow native plants that require little help to thrive.
Lindsey FieldChickadee Homestead
A homesteader from North Florida, Lindsey has been vocal about her passion for natural living, gardening, animals, and self-reliance which manifest so much in her way of living. Through her blog, Chickadee Homestead, she is happy to share her homesteading journey to her readers and followers and hopes that she can encourage more people to follow their homesteading dream.
- Gardening under the Florida sunshine means watering is always at the front of my mind! My best watering tip is to add woodchip mulch! They have this unique ability to protect garden soil from drying out, meaning I can water less frequently. But it they also keep the soil from becoming too wet as well. When we get a heavy rain that could split my tomatoes in a flash, the woodchips are there to absorb the excess water and then release it into the soil later. It’s a brilliant miracle of nature! It’s revolutionized the way we water our garden.
Final Thoughts
Wowww…..!!!!
Every single gardening expert on the list has indeed given something essential and relevant tips for watering the plants. With their expertise and personal experiences on gardening, all aspiring gardeners and farmers, like you, will surely reap something useful that you can apply to your own garden or farm. This article is certainly a great read that you should not miss. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who spared a few minutes of their busy schedule just to contribute and make this expert round-up possible.
Do you have more watering tips to add? Maybe, you have found some useful tips from the experts’ responses above? Let me know by commenting down below!
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