When Is the Best Time to Water Your Garden and Lawn?

As a general rule, plants need about one inch of water per week during the growing season—but did you know that when you water is almost as important as how much you water? Watering your lawn and garden at the right time can maximize effectiveness while limiting the risk of plant diseases. If you want the lushest lawn on the block, this guide will show you the best time to water a garden. 

When Is the Best Time to Water a Garden?

Water your lawn or garden early, ideally before 10 a.m. Some landscapers think between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. is the sweet spot. The goal is to avoid the heat of the day. Watering a garden earlier can safeguard against heat-related issues because:

• It maximizes hydration by limiting the evaporation that occurs in the afternoon sun.

• Water that’s warmed in the sun can burn foliage.

• Well-hydrated plants are better equipped to handle high afternoon temperatures.

If the morning is inconvenient, you can water after 4 p.m. Just ensure you leave enough time for your garden to dry before nighttime. Planting flowers in mulch can also help protect against extreme temperatures and reduce evaporation.

Watering Frequency

How often to water a garden or lawn depends on the season. The higher temperatures go, the more you’ll need to spread out watering to prevent evaporation. Most plants need 1 to 1½ inches of water per week unless they are dormant, but this includes rain.

• Water your garden when the soil feels dry—usually twice per week. 

• Water your lawn once or twice a week in late spring and summer and only during dry periods in early spring or fall.

Factors That Affect When to Water Gardens

Though early morning is the best time to water plants, temperature, soil condition, and plant age all play a role. You can hire a landscaper to help you determine what’s best for your home in every season.

Outdoor Temperature

The hotter the temperature, the more likely water is to evaporate or burn your plants. You may need to spread out watering across the day. For example, in an extreme heat wave, you may need to water a container garden in the morning and afternoon.

Soil Conditions

Certain types of soil, like heavy clay soils or loamy soils, hold onto water. The same goes for mulching. This can give you more leeway in high temperatures, but it can be more damaging to water too close to dusk. 

Plant Age

Younger plants require more water—and slow, deep waterings—to help them establish a strong root system. The same goes for plants with shallow or weak roots. You won’t need to water mature plants as often, but they do benefit from a larger amount of water at one time.

The Worst Time to Water Your Garden

Avoid watering your garden or lawn at night because it can lead to water-logged soil. This can cause fungal diseases like root rot, leaving your plants vulnerable to pest infestations. If you must water at night, don’t water from above. Instead, only water the soil and avoid the foliage completely. 

Cost to Install a Sprinkler and Irrigation System

You may want to install a sprinkler and irrigation system to make watering easier. For most homeowners, a new sprinkler system costs between $2,100 and $6,800. A yard drainage system costs $4,400 on average, but a local french drain company can give you a more accurate quote.

Lawn irrigation can cause flooding or pooling if your lawn has an improper grade. Though drainage can help, you may need to hire someone to regrade your yard. This could significantly increase costs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

If you have the time, you can water your garden using the correct size garden hose fitting. Unless temperatures are extreme, choose one or two days per week to give long, deep waterings. Spend at least 30 seconds on each area of your garden, focusing on the soil rather than the foliage.

Consistent watering takes time and commitment. For this reason, many people hire a landscaper or opt for a sprinkler system. You should never attempt to install a sprinkler and drainage system on your own. Instead, contact a sprinkler installation service near you.