The best time to water the plant is early in the morning, as this will give the plant time to dry before nightfall. Leaving water on the plants overnight can encourage mold growth. Watering at the right time and using the right method will keep your plants healthy.
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Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Time
Step 1. If possible, water the plant in the morning
Early morning is the best time to water the plant as it fits into the plant's natural growth cycle. Plants are ready to consume water early in the morning, when the sun is up but not too high. During the day, plants should be watered before the sun gets too hot. Hydrated plants are better able to withstand extreme heat.
- If you wait until noon or late afternoon, when the weather is very hot, the water can actually burn the plants. Hot water from the sun will be too hot for fragile stems and leaves, and will cause damage to the plant.
- Try to water the plants before 10 am. This is to ensure the water can soak into the soil and dry out a bit before the sun gets too hot.
Step 2. If the morning is not possible, water the plant in the afternoon
Watering in the morning can be difficult when there is a myriad of other things to do as well. If you can't water in the morning, wait until the afternoon, when the sun's rays are not too hot. That way, the plants won't burn and the water can still be absorbed before nightfall.
- If you wait until noon, water the plant after 4pm. If watering is done before 4pm, the sun may overheat and burn your plants.
- If you must water during the day, do so only occasionally and don't make it a daily habit.
Step 3. Do not water the plant at night
If the plant is watered at night, the water will not evaporate and will stay in the leaves and stems of the plant. Without the help of the sun, the soil may become full of water and the water will not be absorbed properly. This is detrimental to the plant because it will trigger the growth of fungi around the roots, stems and leaves.
- Water the plant at night only if you have to, that is, when your plant really needs water and you can't wait until morning.
- If you're watering at night, use less water so the soil doesn't fill with water.
Part 2 of 2: Using the Right Method
Step 1. Water the plant with the right frequency
The general rule of thumb for water a garden needs is 2.54 cm of water per week. However, some types of plants require more water than that amount, and some types require less water. The best way to find out the right watering frequency is to do some research on the amount of water your plants need to stay healthy.
- Another good test is to stick your finger a few inches into the soil. If it feels dry, then maybe the plant needs watering. If it's wet just below the surface, then you don't need to water it.
- Use common sense when setting the frequency of watering your plants. For example, if it continues to rain that week, then you don't need to water it often. However, if it is the dry season, you will have to water it more often.
Step 2. Water near the roots, not over the leaves
Roots absorb the water the plant needs; water that touches the leaves will just fall or evaporate. While watering, aim the hose, embrat or sprinkler at the bottom of the plant, near the roots, to make sure the plant is getting enough water.
- Watering the tops or leaves of plants will also be detrimental to plant health. Water left standing on the leaves will promote mold growth or cause the plant to overheat.
- If you're having trouble watering your roots with a hose, look for a special sprinkler that waters the plant close to the ground.
Step 3. Water lengthwise and deeply
Most plants are healthiest when their roots grow deep in the soil; does not grow outward or toward the surface. Water the plant deeply so that the soil is completely wet and water can reach the tips of the roots to encourage downward root growth.
- Therefore, watering does not need to be done often, but must be done in depth. Instead of watering a little every day, water the plant once or twice each week deeply and precisely.
- This means each area of the garden is watered within 30 seconds or so.
Step 4. Check for signs of overwatering
Just like plants that lack water, plants that consume too much water are also likely to die. Make sure you water your plants with the right frequency and not too much. Look for the following signs to tell if your garden is being over-watered or not:
- Leaf tips are brown
- Withered and wet leaves
- Signs of rot
