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Is it ok to water plants at noon (peak sunlight)?

Gardening & Landscaping Asked on November 23, 2021

So far I heard two opposite opinions:

  1. Harmful: watering at noon would shock the plants.
  2. Helpful: watering at noon would help the plant at the most difficult hours.

And would the answer differ between planted and potted plants?

3 Answers

I only have the time to water at lunchtime - l am in the central Mediterranean and it is hot in summer. My garden is thriving! No negatives.

Answered by Tezzz on November 23, 2021

Watering plant at noon, in the sunlight will NOT burn the leaves. Leaf burn is a myth.

Water droplets on a leaf surface are not able to focus the sun's energy sufficiently to damage the leaves before the water evaporates.

Only some plants with hairy leaves can hold the water droplets sufficiently far from the surface and may cause burning; But hairy leaves tend to shed water, so droplets would be unlikely to stay on them long enough to do damage.

Answered by Samer_Azar on November 23, 2021

The optimum time to water plants is in the morning, before any heat builds up - this gives time for the water to penetrate and be taken up so the plants are already well hydrated. Watering in noon day strong sun means you'll lose some to evaporation before it has much of a chance to help the plant. The next best time to water is the evening, after the heat has abated, and particularly as the sun is lower in the sky. In cooler climates, this might mean a slightly increased risk of fungal infection if the air is cold and the plants are too wet overnight.

Similar rules apply to potted plants, although they at least can have a container beneath to hold some water to give the soil in the pot time to wick it up before it evaporates completely. In very hot, dry weather, morning and evening watering may be required, particularly for smaller pots.

On the other hand, if plants are obviously in severe distress, wilting all over the place, then water should not be withheld until the evening or the next morning - but it's always best to apply the water to the soil at the base of the plant, not all over the leaves - it's the roots which need the water.

Answered by Bamboo on November 23, 2021

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