Summer Watering Tips – When to Water Gardens

Summer is a season when the temperatures can be extremely hot and gardeners will need to water their flowers however there may be water restriction and so one needs to water their gardens in the morning when the weather is cooler and the water will not evaporate.

Before you water your gardens check the plants to determine which plants have deep roots and also check for plants that have roots close to the soil surface.   Deep rooted plants do not need to be watered daily.  They benefit  from deep one inch watering on a weekly basis. By providing deep rooted plants with one inch of water each week the plants will have stronger roots and they will be healthier.  

For plants that have roots close to the soil surface they will need water on a daily basis.  Many people water these plants with a light mist several times a day.  This method is not advisable because the water tends to evaporate in the heat of the day and the plant does not benefit.  It is better to water the plants early in the morning.  I prefer to water my garden from 5:30 to 7:30 am.  In the early morning the temperature is cooler and the water will not evaporate. 

Another time to water your garden is late afternoon.  Afternoon watering is acceptable provided the gardens have ample time to dry before nightfall.

The best way to water your gardens is to set up a soaker hose The slow drip emerges from the entire hose and hydrates your plants at the soil line and thus gets to the roots and nourishes the plant.   

Tips and Warnings

Consider installing drip irrigation and a faucet timer. Set the timer so start and stop automatically. This watering system is great especially if you work outside of the home.

    

Avoid getting the leaves wet as it will attract pests or disease.  Gardens that are watered at dusk or at night will attract pests and fungus.

Watch for Powdery Mildew on leaves due to watering the leaves.

If your city has a water restriction check with your city ordnance to find out when you can water and if it is acceptable to provide one inch of water to plants and shrubs weekly.