Opinions differ when it comes to which is the best time to water the plants. The general consensus among experts is that it is best to water them in the morning if possible.
As the temperature rises and the sun comes out, the plants begin to transpire and lose water through evaporation. In a morning shower, it is easier for this water to go down to the roots without being evaporated, avoiding the dryness It is wrinkling of the leaves.
The ideal, in fact, would be to water them just before brunch and sunrise, which will guarantee plenty of time for the vegetable to absorb the water and avoid evaporation and waste.
We know it’s winter, but in Brazil, even this season can present high temperatures. While many plants can withstand temperatures as low as 20°C before they start to suffer, ideally, you want to water them at the right time to help them survive and continue to flourish.
Alternatives: late afternoon and early evening
If morning watering doesn’t fit into your schedule, the late afternoon or early evening it’s the next best option after the sun’s heat spike has passed. This is because it is usually cooler at these times of the day, allowing water to seep into the ground and keep it moist longer. The rule also applies to vegetable gardens.
Don’t take that long!
However, remember that it is also not a good idea to leave it too late, as this prevents the plants from drying out before dark. This can be harmful because it encourages breeding fungus, including mold and mildew.
In addition, night watering can create a humid atmosphere around the plants, vegetable gardens and flowers. If the foliage and soil surface remain wet at night, this also encourages the appearance of slugs and snails.
We also need to consider the climate. If it’s night and it’s windy, it’s okay to water at that time, as this will help the plants have time to dry out.
In the hottest summer months, it is worth water twice a day: one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. The second watering should replenish the plants and give them a boost of hydration after a particularly hot day.
How to water correctly?
Bring the water to the part of the plant that needs it most. We are talking about roots, not the leaves. It may be tempting to spray the leaves, but this can cause fungus problems. Water the base of the plant!
Irrigating more carefully, but less frequently, gets water down to the roots where it’s needed most. But the soil doesn’t need to be really wet all the time, because plant roots need air and water to grow well.
See too
“Water from a lower angle to allow more water to enter the soil and also to encourage the plants to develop deeper roots, keeping them hydrated from the bottom up,” suggests Sarah Dixon from the Hozelock portal to Gardeningetc.
How often should the plants be watered?
Advice on when is the best time to water plants usually takes into account the climate conditions. The ideal is always to keep the plants well watered if the weather is very dry. But how do you know if your plants are getting enough?
All plants are different and there is no one-size-fits-all rule. To the seedlings in pots they may need watering several times a day in scorching temperatures, whereas a shrub established in a shaded location may need watering only in extreme drought.
But know that, in general, plants do not like to be wet all the time. So even in the summer heat, make sure they dry between water maintenance periods.
Also, always consider what your pots and planters are made of. If they are from fiberglass or plastic, are probably porous and therefore retain water well. With these materials, you should check the plant first to avoid overwatering it, which can lead to root rot.
Rather than on a daily basis, choose to water them a few times a week. And if you want a tip economyplace a bucket or support below the vases to collect waste water, which can be used in other areas of the garden.
Should I water the plants if there was rain last night?
You might think you have a day off from watering work if it’s been raining, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. In fact, the best time to water is after the rain, when the soil is softened and more receptive to a good hose rinse.
On vacation…
If you are leaving vacationmake sure you water your little plants well with a good one, ensuring a good amount of water at the base.
Also try to move the vases to more shaded places and add saucers to retain water in the roots. It is also worth experimenting with automatic irrigation or the use of moisture retaining crystals.
What is the best time to water plants in winter?
In the cold, the plants lose less water, so they don’t need watering as much as they do during the warmer months. Seek to adjust the maintenance schedule according to the weather. But, in general, the ideal is to water them in the Mid day.
If you’re planting bare-root trees, new shrubs, or plants in the fall, keep an eye on them. To the roots can dry even in colder climates and still harm the plant.
*Via gardeningetc