When watering outdoor plants the time of day you choose to water can impact the plants’ health. The best time to water outdoor in-ground plants is in the morning. By watering your plants in the morning, the plants get water when the temperatures are cooler preventing evaporation. They also have all day to soak in the water.

If you're unable to water in the morning, the next best time to water outdoor in-ground plants is the evening when it's cooler. However the water doesn’t always get absorbed as well which can lead to rot, fungal growth and insects. Watering in the hot afternoon is the least effective time because the water evaporates instead of being absorbed by the soil and roots.

For outdoor container plants, be aware that potted plants dry out quicker than those planted in ground because the container only holds so much soil and moisture. Morning watering is still a good time to water the potted plants, but because they dry out quicker some say that evening is a better time to water them to ensure better health. Using glazed pots and applying a layer of mulch or rocks to the soil also help keep a healthy amount of moisture in the container.

Whenever you water, make sure you don’t over water. Your outdoor plants needs about an inch of water a week including rainfall. Overwatering can lead to drowning the roots.

If you have indoor container plants, it’s best to water them in the morning so any extra water has time to evaporate. Indoor plants require less water, and the recommendation is to check the soil once a week instead of going by the rule of an inch of water a week. Simply stick your finger in the soil an inch deep and if it’s dry, it’s time to water.

Since the west is experiencing some of the worst drought on record, learning how to be efficient with water use is more important than ever (and it will help you avoid costly fines from your local water company). For drought updates, check out National Integrated Drought Information System’s map that gets updated on a weekly basis.

In case you need a refresher, here are more ways to make your yard more planet friendly:

• Install a Drip Irrigation System
• Use the Rain to Your Yard’s Advantage
• Replace your Grass with Native Drought Tolerant Plants

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