The Right, the Wrong, and the Common Sense Guide to Watering

I wrote this post for our blog a couple of years ago. With these record breaking temperatures and lack of rain, it seems an appropriate time to post it here on the Patch.

Is there a right or wrong time to water? Many gardeners and gardening publications state that the “right time” of day to water is in the early morning as the water evaporates from the foliage, preventing fungus. The second best time of day to water is in the evening when the temperatures are lower. In theory, these are correct. In reality… many of us can’t water at these times. The common sense answer that we give at Garden Heights is…water when you can! It is better to water in the afternoon when you have the time, than to wait for the “right time.” Heat causes stress.

A few common sense rules to follow when you water, whatever time of day that may be:

• Water your garden and lawn deeply and less frequently. Deep watering encourages strong root growth.  Plants need 1″ of water per week to survive. If you aren’t sure how much to water, use a rain gauge (these are particularly useful when watering with sprinklers.)

• Containers dry out much faster than the soil in a garden bed. In periods of extreme heat, you will need to water containers once or twice daily. There are products you can use when planting that swell up when watered. As the plant dries out, it releases the water. It can help, but it isn't a substitution for a good drink of water in this heat.

• Water at the base of the plant. The roots carry the water throughout the plant.

• If you are watering with soaker hoses, here are a few tips:

1. Keep the water pressure low (don’t turn the water up too high.)
2. If the area that is being used with soakers happens to be a slope, remember that the water doesn’t run uphill well, so make your hose connection on top of the slope.
3. Let the water run for 3 to 4 hours or until the water starts to run off.
4. If you have the hose buried under the mulch, the mulch should be soaked thoroughly.

• If you have a bird bath, make sure it is full of clean water. It has been terribly dry. Remember this little guys need water to survive as well.

• I don't know many people who had a bounty of tomatoes last summer. It was hot and dry and the squirrels seemed to get them all. Yes, they are a nuisance, but they are thirsty too. It may not hurt to keep a pan or bowl of water around your vegetables for them as well. They may even stay away from the tomatoes?

• Native plants are stressing out right now. Even these tough plants aren't accustomed to the prolonged 100° plus temperatures we are experiencing.

Have fun with it and soak your feet while watering! It will cool you off.

Debbie T.