Gardeners urged to avoid watering plants at specific time of day in June
As temperatures are predicted to soar this summer, a gardening expert provides a crucial warning over a common watering error many Brits make when caring for their plants
In the midst of the summer heat most of us are inclined to give our plants an extra helping of water – but an expert warns that watering them at the wrong time of day can be futile.
Britain is twice as likely to have a hot summer in 2025, based on data from the Met Office. This means as temperatures rise and the sun makes a more frequent appearance, many British gardeners are finally seeing their plants come into bloom. However, it also increases the risk of plants becoming dehydrated.
Depending on when you water your plants, they may not be receiving a sufficient amount of hydration. This can in turn leave them looking lacklustre and even vulnerable to disease.
Common symptoms of dehydration in plants include droopy, wilted leaves, browning tissue and stunted growth. You may also see less fruits or flowers being produced.
Chris Cooper, a gardening expert from Hayter, says:'If you're experiencing a dry summer so far where you are…then watering is a crucial step towards a thriving garden. However, it can be seriously tempting to overcompensate for the hot weather and end up overwatering.
He continues: 'Not to mention wasting water, the roots of plants that have been overwatered can suffocate, leading to nasty afflictions like root rot, yellowing leaves and fungal diseases: the opposite of what you want to see in a thriving garden!'
To avoid this issue, Chris advises watering plants in either the early morning or late evening. This way your plants won't be exposed to too much direct sunlight.
The reason why this is important is because afternoon temperatures can cause much of the water to evaporate before it even reaches the roots. Which ultimately means that your plants aren't being sufficiently hydrated.
This in turn can lead to gardeners giving them too much water to compensate, which prevents them from taking in oxygen and makes them more vulnerable to issues like leaf scorch. In extreme cases, overwatering can even lead to plants dying
When watering, Chris also advises to 'focus on the base of your plants', which will help direct water to the roots. He adds that you should 'prioritise plants in containers, pots and hanging baskets.'
Plants in baskets or other containers need to be prioritised as they have no other water source besides the pots they are placed in. This makes them more vulnerable to damage.
Another issue to be on the lookout for in warm weather is the increased presence of weeds. The heat and sunlight will allow them to proliferate faster, which can redirect precious nutrients from your plants.
To stop the spread, Chris suggests pulling weeds from the ground as soon as you spot them, as that way they're easier to remove. They can even be used as compost after!
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