Watering plants in a timely manner and in the right amount is crucial for their health. Failure to water plants at the proper time may lead to fungal diseases, wilting, or even death. Let’s see what the experts have to say about this.
The Royal Horticultural Society of the United Kingdom emphasized on its website that watering is the key to healthy plant growth. This not only means providing the necessary water for your garden but also doing so in a rational manner.
According to the society, it is best to water plants in the morning, as the sun rises and the plants begin to absorb water. Watering in the morning, compared to the evening, helps keep leaves and soil surfaces drier for longer, thus inhibiting the growth of slugs, snails, and mold.
Reported by the UK’s Daily Express, British gardening expert Harry Bodell pointed out, “Morning is the ideal time to water plants because the cool morning air allows water to penetrate the soil and be absorbed by the roots.” This also gives plants the opportunity to dry during the day, reducing the risk of disease.
Bodell further explained, “Watering later, especially at night, can cause water to linger on leaves and in the soil, promoting fungal growth, which is best to avoid.”
Root rot is one of the most common problems for plants, typically caused by excessive watering. Other diseases that may arise include leaf spots and downy mildew, which can be prevented by watering plants in the morning.
The expert also advised watering deeply into the soil instead of shallow watering frequently. He stated, “Deep watering promotes downward root growth, making plants more robust, whereas frequent light watering only keeps the surface moist, leading to shallow roots.”
To check if your plants require watering, you can insert your finger about 2 inches (5 centimeters) into the soil. If the soil is dry, it indicates that your plants need watering.
Bodell recommended using methods like drip irrigation, hoses, and sprinklers to facilitate consistent watering. “If you don’t have time to manually set up these systems regularly, you can use timers to automate watering and maintain a stable watering schedule.”
If you water your plants regularly but they appear wilted, on the brink of dying, it could be due to incorrect watering techniques.
British gardening expert and influencer Sabrina revealed a common mistake people make when watering plants, which is watering from above. Many people do it without much consideration, but this can make plants susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections.
She emphasized that to ensure plant health, water should be poured from the bottom, avoiding wetting the leaves, as wet leaves could lead to the premature demise of plants.
The Royal Horticultural Society of the UK also mentioned that watering should target the roots rather than the leaves. Watering from above can make leaves damp, fostering fungi growth and accelerating surface water evaporation.