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Rexburg, Idaho (brianchristensenmd@gmail.com )

I water with well water at about 45-50 degrees. Someday I'll rig up a system to warm my water but for now I'm stuck with well water. When is the best time of day to water? During the day is when I typically water but this is also when there is the greatest temp. difference and therefore the most cooling and perhaps the most shock to the plant. Would it be better to water in the early morning when the air temp. is lower? Any thoughts?

5/29/2002 8:46:51 AM

Utah

Brian,
I know growers who water in the morning which allows
thier plants to dry out to help avoid powedery
mildew. and other who mist during the hot summer days
to cool thier plants. many people just water when
they have the time to do so.
Since you are in a drier climate I think when you overhead water I would think you are cooling your plant and all
the air around it... evaporative cooling- swamp cooler-
and the soil too. Less evaporation ocurrs at lower air temperatures for a given humidity level. but you are cooling your soil regardless of what time of day you are watering.
so it would be better to water in the morning this early in the season but I wouldn't have any idea how much of an effect that would have on your plants vs watering later in the day.
hope this helps.
gordon

5/29/2002 10:05:52 AM

South Hill, Virginia

A similar question: I'm in a hot climate. If part of my watering goal is to cool my plant then should I even worry about warming my water?

5/29/2002 10:16:51 AM

Bemidji, MN

I prefer to water in the AM. Here in Minnesota, don't have to worry about cooling plants/soil, so morning works best for me. I feel watering in middle of the day could actually burn the plant if you weren't careful. I still warm my water in a 300 gallon stock tank though to lessen the shock of having 48 degree water thrown on the plant. Pumpkinpiper

5/29/2002 12:42:46 PM

Utah

svrichb-
if your goal is to cool the plant then no you don't
want to warm your water. but i think that only applies
when air temperature is above 90 degrees. if so
you want to cool your plant and the surounding air
by misting with cold water. and warming the water
would not be what you want to do.

but if your soil temperature is below 80 degrees
then you would want to use warm water. you can
apply warm water to the soil without misting.

if your soil temperature is below 80 and your air
temperature is above 90...
well...no sure how often that would happen but
i think cooling your plant takes priority
over keeping your soil warm...

i would think that unless it is in the hot days of
summer you'd want to use your warm water.

5/29/2002 4:04:53 PM