Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Choosing the right time
• Part 2 of 2: Using the right method
• Tips

The best time to water your garden is in the morning, as this gives plants a chance to dry up before evening. Water left on plants at night can lead to mold. Watering your garden at the right time using the right method will help keep your plants healthy.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Choosing the right time

1. If possible, water in the morning. Now is the best time to water your garden as it follows the natural growth cycle of the plants. Plants are ready to drink early in the morning, when the sun is not too high in the sky yet. During the rest of the day, they will be able to soak up the water before the sun gets too hot. Hydrated plants are better able to withstand extreme heat.
   • If you wait until noon or later when the sun is very hot, the water can effectively burn the plants. The water heated by the sun will become too warm for the fragile stems and leaves, causing damage.
   • Try to water before 10 a.m. so that the water has enough time to soak into the soil and dry a bit before it gets too strong in the sun. Afternoon watering is a waste of water as most of it will have evaporated before it can penetrate the soil.
2. Water in the late afternoon if the morning is not appropriate. It is not always convenient to water early in the morning when you have so many things to do. If you don't water in the morning then you have to wait until late afternoon when the sun is no longer so hot. This way your plants will not burn and they will be able to dry up a bit before evening.
   • If you wait until the afternoon, try not to water before 4pm, as the sun will likely be hot enough to burn your plants before 4pm.
   • If it is really necessary to water while the sun is very hot, try to do it exceptionally and not make it a daily habit.
3. Do not water your garden at night. When you water at night, the water stays on the stems and leaves of the plants instead of evaporating. The soil can be saturated instead of draining well with a little help from the sun. This is very bad for your plants as it leads to fungal growth around the roots and on the stems and leaves.
   • You should only water at night as a last resort and then only when your plants are very thirsty and cannot wait until morning.
   • If you have to water at night, wet the soil instead of the plant itself and use less water so that the water cannot stand. Irrigation tape or a garden hose can make this considerably easier.

Part 2 of 2: Using the right method

1. Water your garden regularly. The general rule for gardens is that they need about an inch of water per week. However, there are certain types of plants that require more or less water. The best approach is to do some research on the water needs of your plants and keep a close eye on their health. When a plant fades, it needs more water.
   • Another good test is to stick your finger several inches deep into the ground. If it feels completely dry then it is probably time to water. If it's damp just below the surface, you'd better wait a little longer.
   • Use common sense about the regularity of watering your plants. For example, if it rained a lot this week, your plants won't need as much water. However, if it is dry then they will likely need more.
2. Water near the roots and never on the leaves. The roots absorb the water that nourishes the plant; water that gets on the leaves will only evaporate. When watering, aim the hose, sprinkler or watering can towards the bottom of the plant and make sure the plant is thoroughly watered there.
   • Watering above the plant and wetting all the leaves is very bad for the health of the plant. Water left on the leaves will either cause mold or cause the plant to overheat.
   • If you find it difficult to water with a garden hose, you can opt for a special watering system close to the ground, such as an irrigation system with a dripper.
3. Water long and deeply. Most plants are healthiest when their roots grow deep into the ground instead of outwards and close to the surface. Water deeply so that you completely saturate the soil as this will ensure that the water reaches all the way to the ends of the roots. In addition, this will further stimulate downward growth.
   • That is why it is healthier to water your plants sparingly but deeply. Instead of giving a little bit of water every day, you can choose to give a good, in-depth amount of water once or twice a week.
   • This means watering in one area for thirty seconds or more instead of quickly spraying the garden.
4. Watch for signs that you are overwatering. Plants that get too much water will die just as quickly as plants that get too little water. Make sure to water your plants regularly and try not to overdo it. Look for these signs that your garden may be getting too much water:
   • Leaves with yellow or brown tips
   • Limp, soggy foliage
   • Signs of putrefaction

Tips

• Choose a watering device best suited to the size of your yard. If you have a large garden that needs daily water, you can opt for a sprinkler with an automatic timer.