The ‘worst mistake’ gardeners can make when watering their plants in hot weather

Gardening enthusiasts should keep in mind that the summer season demands special attention to watering routines to ensure that their prized plants flourish. Making sure your plants receive adequate watering is crucial to their survival and growth, especially during the warmer months.

The plant specialists at Phostrogen highlight that a staggering 80 percent of a plant’s composition is water, with the roots being the only absorption channel, underscoring the importance of correct watering practices. In the sweltering heat, your garden flora, including vegetables, may require a refreshing drink twice a day, depending on their exposure.

A common mistake among gardeners during this period is not timing watering well, which can be harmful, reports the Express.

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QVC green thumb Mark Lane warns against one of the “worst mistakes” in hot weather: watering plants “at the wrong time.”

So, when is the optimal time for this vital gardening task? According to the plant experts at Phostrogen, in spring and fall the morning is preferable, but in summer the afternoon is better to prevent plants from burning in the intense midday sun.

Watering at night minimizes evaporation, ensuring plants fully benefit from the hydration provided.

However, if your schedule allows it In fact Early, Mark advocates for an early morning watering schedule, suggesting that “the best time” is when it’s cooler outside, ideally between 5 and 9 a.m.

Mark has highlighted the benefits of watering plants early in the morning, explaining that it will “result in less water loss through evaporation” as temperatures rise throughout the day.

While timing is crucial, so is the amount of water used. Despite the increased thirst of plants in hot climates, a moderate approach is recommended, where less is more when it comes to higher temperatures.

Henry Bartlam, founder of Dig, advises against giving “plants a light daily mist of water.”

He advocates a more thorough approach: “It’s better to give them a good soak every other day (especially in hot climates) than a quick dip every day.”

He notes that while there’s no exact science, a good indicator of proper watering is if the soil stays moist without drying out too quickly, which suggests “you’ve probably done a good job.”

However, he warns gardeners: “Be careful not to overwater or saturate the soil; this could not only damage the plants, but also waste valuable water.”