The Best Time to Water Your Plants (and Why It Matters)

We are often asked at Easy Garden Irrigation, “What is the best time to water my plants?” This question has become even more common this year, with scarce rainfall and hosepipe bans in many counties. To help make the most of the water we have, we’ve put together some guidelines on when to water your garden and why timing matters.

When is the best time to water your plants?

The best time to water your plants is early morning, as they begin using water as soon as the sun rises. By watering early, roots can absorb moisture before the sun raises the temperature and causes evaporation.

If you’re not an early riser, late evening is the next best option. Watering once the sun is down allows plants to take in moisture overnight. Just be mindful in humid conditions, as foliage that stays damp for too long can encourage disease.

To make life easier—especially during summer—consider installing an automatic watering system. Drip lines, soaker hoses, or sprinklers on timers can save you time and ensure consistent watering. Many modern systems even come with moisture sensors, so they’ll only supply water when the soil really needs it, helping you save both water and effort.

Why avoid watering in the middle of the day?

Midday is usually the hottest, breeziest part of the day, so it’s the least efficient time to water. Much of what you apply evaporates or gets blown off target before it can soak down to the roots, and plants are often in heat-stress mode, so they can’t use the water as effectively. It’s not about “scorching”—that’s a myth—it’s simply poor efficiency. Aim for early morning (around 5–9am) when the soil is cool and wind is calmer; evening can work in dry climates, but avoid leaving foliage wet overnight in humid conditions to keep disease pressure down.

Use a watering can or hosepipe with an adjustable nozzle to direct water to the soil rather than the foliage. Even better, a drip system delivers water precisely to the roots and can be set on a timer to run early in the morning or while you’re away.

What are the best watering methods during summer?

There are many ways to make watering easier and more efficient. Start with improving the soil’s ability to absorb and hold moisture, then adapt your watering based on plant type, location, and age.

Help Soil Retain Moisture

In garden borders, dig in organic matter to improve water retention, especially in clay soils. Adding a mulch layer keeps soil cooler, reduces evaporation, and suppresses weeds. For containers, mix water-retaining granules into compost before planting. This ensures moisture is held around roots for longer.

Consider Plant Location

Pots, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets dry out quickly. These may need watering twice a day in hot weather. Water hanging baskets slowly until it drains from the base, and aim to add about one-tenth the container’s volume in water each time.

For high baskets, use a long-reach nozzle or ‘watering wand’ attached to your hose to make the job easier and safer.

Know What Not to Water

During dry spells, prioritise plants over lawns. Lawns recover quickly after drought, so save water for more vulnerable plants. Mow less often and avoid cutting grass too short to help it cope with dry weather.

Consider Plant Type and Age

Annuals have shallow roots, so water frequently to keep the top 5–6 cm of soil moist. Newly planted shrubs and perennials also need extra attention while their roots establish. Established shrubs and trees have deep, spreading roots and can usually cope with short dry spells. However, prolonged drought may slow their growth. Always prioritise younger plants in hot weather.

Watering Fruit and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables need regular watering to ensure good yields. Leafy crops and thirsty plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and courgettes should not be left dry. Onions, carrots, radishes, and many herbs can cope with less water.

Efficient Watering Practices

Practice Deep Watering

Water thoroughly so moisture soaks deep into the soil. This encourages strong root growth. Light, frequent watering only wets the surface, leading to weaker, shallow-rooted plants more prone to damage and stress.

Water at the Base of Plants

Avoid sprinklers that spray over foliage and flowers. Wet leaves increase the risk of fungal disease, and wet blooms won’t last as long. Always water at the base of plants, close to the soil. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method, delivering water directly to the roots with minimal waste.

Install Soaker Hoses

Soaker hoses are made from porous materials that release water slowly along their length, allowing for deep soaking. They’re best installed in borders or vegetable rows and work particularly well in heavier soils, which help spread the water evenly. One of their big advantages is how simple they are to set up—just lay them out, connect to a water source, and you’re ready to go.

While soaker hoses are a great starting point for many gardeners, they can sometimes lose pressure over longer distances, which means they aren’t always the most efficient option for larger areas. For those situations, drip line irrigation can be a better choice, offering more consistent water delivery. We’ve put together a full blog post on Soaker hose vs. Drip line to help you decide which is right for your garden—be sure to check it out!

Using a Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the base of individual plants, ensuring it goes exactly where it’s needed—straight to the roots. Many systems include adjustable emitters, so you can tailor the flow for different plants, from thirsty tomatoes to low-maintenance shrubs. They’re also highly versatile, working just as well for small patio containers as they do for full vegetable beds or entire garden borders.

You can run them manually or link them to a timer for hands-free watering, making them a real time-saver during busy summer months. Another big advantage is their efficiency: because they use minimal water and avoid waste through evaporation or runoff, drip irrigation systems are often exempt from hosepipe bans in the UK. This makes them a reliable, eco-friendly option even during periods of drought.

Reusing Water

Reuse Rainwater

Rainwater is better for plants than tap water, as it’s free from chemicals like chlorine and contains beneficial nutrients such as nitrates. Collect rainwater from roofs into water butts or tanks, ready for summer use.

Water butts can fill watering cans or connect to soaker hoses. For longer runs, use a submersible or butt pump to boost pressure for hoses and sprayers. Some drip kits are designed for use with water butts and can even be run on timers.

Recycle Greywater

Greywater from baths, showers, or washing-up can also be reused in the garden. Simply collect it in a watering can or use a greywater system. Avoid water containing harsh chemicals, and don’t rely on greywater alone for long-term plant health.

The Key to Watering Success

The best watering method is the one that suits your garden, lifestyle, and plants. Whether you choose to keep it simple with a watering can, lay down a soaker hose, or invest in a drip irrigation system, consistency is what matters most. Water at the right time of day, focus on the roots, and help your soil hold on to moisture—you’ll soon see the difference in healthier, happier plants all summer long.