Gardening pro reveals the EXACT time to water your plants for spring to keep them healthy, and no, it’s not the morning
THE WEATHER finally seems to be warming up across the UK and avid gardeners will be heading outside to tend to their plants.
In the summer, it's often recommended to water your plants at the start of the day, but the same can't be said for spring.
Gardeners recommend watering your plants first thing in the morning during the summer months as it gives the plants a chance to hydrate before the sun comes out and dries out the soil.
But gardening expert Tom Knight from Our Houseplants says doing so can come with risks.
He said: “When it comes to a watering schedule for garden plants, many gardeners will say they think the early morning is best. And that mindset has transitioned to indoor plants too."
“But there is no good scientific evidence to show that this wisdom is actually correct.
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"Or rather there is no compelling science that indicates plants have a preference for being watered in the morning instead of the evening.”
Instead, he recommends watering them in the evening or at night before you head to bed.
Watering plants at night also means less moisture is lost through evaporation which can help out your garden or houseplants during hot days.
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Many people assume watering at night can be detrimental as they can't absorb moisture when the sun is down.
The gardening pro said: “Your plant doesn't absorb all the water as soon as you water it. Like charging a battery, it's the potting medium that absorbs and holds onto water.
"This will deplete over time as the plant pulls the water into its roots.”
It's perfectly fine to water plants in the evening so long as the soil is ventilated and you let it dry out in between sessions.
When the soil is both wet and cold, it can make it vulnerable to mould, so it's best to practice watering at night during mid to late spring.
Plants can generally be watered at any time of the day.
And it's best to do this than risk underwatering your plants.
Tom told the : “The worst time to water houseplants is when they've fully dried out and have started to wilt and look faded.
"This is extreme dehydration for most plants, all the water from the potting soil has gone and the plant itself is on the edge.”
Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs
Nick Grey, Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives.
1. Clean your garden
Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks.
2. Weeding
Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round.
3. Hedge maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat.
4. Composting
Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage.
5. Look after your lawn
Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.