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As the summer heat intensifies, timing your watering routine becomes essential to keeping your plants alive and kicking. But do you have to get up with the larks, or stay awake until the dark hours to water your plants at the correct time?I posed the question to garden experts to discover the strategy behind summer watering and how to avoid damaging flowers, foliage and fruits by watering at the wrong time.The best time to water your garden
(Image credit: Shutterstock)The experts all agree that the best time to water your yard is early in the morning. This may mean setting the alarm clock for some, to make sure you don’t miss the optimal time.The experts narrow the ‘golden window’ down to between 6 am and 10 am, with Annie Morton, gardening expert and brand ambassador for Hoselink, saying it's worth the effort. “It’s a small habit that costs nothing extra but can transform your garden’s health and resilience over time.”Noelle Johnson, horticulturist, landscape consultant and garden writer at AZ Plant Lady, adds, “In most regions, the optimal time to water your garden is early in the morning, ideally before the sun gets high and temperatures start to rise.Watering in the morning gives plants time to absorb moisture before facing the day’s challenges. Think of it as filling a plant’s tank before the day beginsNoelle Johnson, AZ Plant Lady“Watering in the morning gives plants time to absorb moisture before facing the day’s challenges. Think of it as filling a plant’s tank before the day begins,” she says, and adds that well-hydrated plants are better prepared to handle heat, sunlight, wind, and other stresses.Watering in the morning also helps to conserve water, as cooler temperatures and calmer winds reduce evaporation. “As a horticulturist”, she says, “I’ve noticed gardeners often focus on how much to water, but the timing can be just as crucial.”Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Why morning is best
