[nudephil (OP)]

Our latest question of the week comes from listener Kevin:

Does watering my veggie garden in the morning mean that water uptake will coincide with the intake of sunlight, and give my vegetables the best chance? Or is it just as good to water in the evening?

[alancalverd]

I was always told to water in the evening, particularly when planting young trees, so that less water evaporates before it is taken up by the roots, and more water penetrates downwards, encouraging the roots to grow down rather than flat and thus providing a more secure anchor. It probably doesn't make much difference in the long term but I think the better anchor improves the chances of a tree reaching maturity without being blown over or root-denuded by erosion.  So on a shorter timescale I guess I'd adopt the same approach for annual crops.

[Bored chemist]

The story I have heard is that you should water them in the evening.

But, I'd check to see when it rains most.
A plant is likely to have evolved to do well under the conditions that actually exist.

[alancalverd]

True enough, but horticulture and agriculture are about persuading plants to yield more than nature intended, in places where they wouldn't normally grow. The alternative is known as natural forest.

[Scientist30]

My teacher told us that the evening is the best time to water plants. However, I see a lot of people watering their plants in the morning. I think both are totally fine.

[strongernow]

Our latest question of the week comes from listener Kevin:

Does watering my veggie garden in the morning mean that water uptake will coincide with the intake of sunlight, and give my vegetables the best chance? Or is it just as good to water in the evening?

Me being not a super good talented plant person find out how to water my plants.

In the summer when the temperature gets high quickly you either water early in the morning or late in the evening.
Otherwise the water won't reach the roots and the plant can't use it. So if your plants are exposed to the sun, wait until its gone!

[Adam1k]

Thanks for the advice.

[nudephil (OP)]

Answered on the show: https://www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/question-week/what-time-should-i-water-my-plants

feat. the RHS' head horticulturist!

[NakedTruth]

I am always watering and cutting my plants with the moon calendar and I can tell, that I see the difference in the plant growth. The moon really has a strong influence on every creature in this world, I could'nt believe that in the beginning. So you could look in the calendar and water the plants at that specific time for best results.

[Scientist30]

Thanks for all the advice! I didnīt think about this before. I will try to water my plants in the evening.

[LaurenaS]

Watering plants in the morning when the temperature is still cool is seen to be more efficient since the water can be run more to the roots. the hotter the temperature, the more chance it has for the water to evaporates and get lost.

[Nina569]

Hello, my name is Nina

At first I already apologize for my bad english. I can only speak from experience and would recommend watering the plants in the evening. Your plants will thank you later, believe me.

Funnily enough, I've already tried everything, so I speak from experience.

Greetings Nina