When should you water plants?

Question

It seems an urban myth that you should water plants at night, otherwise the direct sunlight will burn them? However, this appears to me more of a myth then truth. Scientifically, that doesn't seem right. Plants don't burn easily, and they have a coating that should protect them from burning. Also, they only take in as much water as they need, and let the rest drain off. Can anyone support me here with some hard scientific evidence? Thanks, MT

Answer 1

Morning  or  evening time is the  best time for watering plants

Answer 2

Urban myth.  Does it rain only at night? Of course not!

Answer 3

My lawn developed brown spotting late last year. Called a lawn service. Their verdict was a fungal infection caused by watering at night.They said the roots sit in water overnight. I water, by timer, now every morning at 6:00. No more brown spot!!

Answer 4

Charlie Dimmock once said on tv that it was an old wives tale, what happens when it's sunny but then you get a shower?  Exactly - nothing!!

The only reason that I'd recommend watering in the evening is global warming. If you water in the evenings when it's cooler then less water evapourates adn that saves water generally.

Answer 5

it's not an urban myth.

And some Old Wives know what they're talking about....

If you water plants on very hot days the water can cause the plants to burn as it is heated up, grass is especially susceptible.

You should always water from the bottom, so drawing the roots downwards, making the plant stronger by creating a deeper anchor. Best to have a tray the plant stands in, so it can drink up what it needs.

Also, if you water from the top, as the water drains through the soil it takes nutrients wiith it which can drain away.

they like it if you sing too (although maybe that is an old wives tale....)

Answer 6

Irrigation has four key components:

WHERE to place the water

HOW MUCH to apply

HOW FAST to apply

HOW OFTEN to apply



The factors that effect these components include the weather, plant maturity, plant type, and soil type.

Where: Most of a plant's absorbing roots spread 1 1/2 to 3 times as wide as the plant's canopy and are within 1 foot of the soil surface. It is important to water the entire root zone each time you water. Most of the water is absorbed outside the canopy drip line.

How Much: Apply enough water to wet soil at least 1 foot deep in the entire root zone of the plant. Use a pointed metal rod to test how deeply you have watered by inserting it into the ground soon after you irrigate. The rod will easily slide through the wet soil and become difficult to push when it reaches dry soil.

How Fast: Water should be applied only as quickly as it can be absorbed by the soil. Applying water too quickly causes erosion, wastes the water, and compacts the soil surface.

How Often: The soil should be allowed to briefly dry out between watering. The weather, plant maturity, plant type, soil type, and irrigation method are all key factors determining where to place the water; how much to apply, how quickly to apply, and how frequently to apply water.

Weather:

Plants in the low deserts of Arizona use 3 to 5 times as much water during the hot, dry summer as they do during the winter. Dry winds also increase a plant's need for water. On the other hand, plants at higher elevations may not need any supplemental water for many months during the winter. In addition, the high humidity and rain during the monsoon season reduce the need for irrigation. Be sure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Plant Maturity:

Young and newly planted trees should be watered more often than older and established plants. Initially, water should be applied to the root ball and as the roots mature the water should be applied out at the drip line and beyond. After they become established, in one to two years, allow a slight drought between watering. The plants will adapt to the stress and become more drought tolerant.

Plant Type:

Fast-growing plants need more water than slow-growing plants. Many trees are specifically adapted to arid climates. They may have small leaves, grey foliage, photosynthesizing trunks, leathery or fuzzy leaves, or other characteristics that enable them survive with less water. These trees need considerably less water than less well-adapted species with large, dark green leaves.

Soil Type:

Sandy soils absorb water more quickly and drain more rapidly, therefore, water can be applied faster and must be applied more frequently. Clay soils absorb water more slowly and retain water more effective; therefore, water must be applied more slowly and less often. Water applied too rapidly to clay soils is wasted and causes erosion as it runs off. If a d**e has been built around the root zone of a plant to contain water, then water may be applied quickly without fear of runoff.

Answer 7

I didn't think it was anything to do with them getting burnt.  I was told they should be watered in the evening simply because direct sunlight would evaporate half the water intended for the plants!  If you wait until the evening they'll get the full benefit of the water.  Simple.

Answer 8

This may sound weird, you have asked for scientific evidence, a lot of things have yet to be proved, but I water my indoor plants generously when it is raining outside.  Of course if it doesn't rain for a bit they get a top up.  I do tend to water the plants I have in direct sunlight only in the evening or very early morning, I'm not sure if they burn or not but it seems that the water would dry up faster and it feels natural to me.

Answer 9

every single day!