The best time of day to water garden plants isn't during the evening, expert says

A green-fingered expert has issued a cautionary note against the practice of watering your garden during the peak hours of the day, suggesting that it could potentially be more detrimental than beneficial.

Elise Harlock, who holds the reins as brand manager at Prestige Flowers, shed light on why timing is of the essence when it comes to maintaining the vitality of your plants throughout the summer season.

Elise pointed out: "Watering during the hottest part of the day is one of the biggest mistakes gardeners make. Not only does it lead to wasted water, but it can also stress your plants and even cause damage."

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The whizz highlighted that midday watering could trigger swift evaporation, leaving the plants parched despite the watering efforts.

"When the sun is at its zenith, much of the water you apply will evaporate before it ever reaches the roots," she elaborated.

This implies that while garden enthusiasts believe they're quenching their plants' thirst, most of the water is actually vanishing into thin air, reports .

There's a widespread belief that water droplets resting on leaves can act as mini magnifying glasses, intensifying sunlight and scorching the plant.

While this isn't as prevalent as many assume, the plant aficionado acknowledged that watering at noon could still spell trouble.

Elise clarified: "If the leaves get wet and the sun is blazing, it can lead to faster dehydration. The plant focuses on dealing with heat stress rather than absorbing water properly."

To ensure your plants reap the full benefits of watering, it's crucial to do so in the morning before the sun turns up the heat.

"The best time to water is early in the morning, ideally before 10am," Elise advised. "This allows moisture to penetrate the soil and reach the roots before the sun gets too strong."

If you can't find the time to give the garden a quick water in the morning, the next best option is the evening, but it isn't recommended.

It's also important not to water too late, as damp plants can encourage fungal growth and attract pests.

The expert continued: "The key is deep, infrequent watering. Rather than giving plants a quick sprinkle every day, soak the soil thoroughly a few times a week.

"This encourages deeper root growth, making plants more resilient to heat and drought.

"Always aim for the roots, not the leaves. This ensures the water gets where it's needed and reduces the risk of disease."