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Middle TN

Im confused(again). Ive read over and over how I should NEVER EVER EVER spray anything in sunlight but then I read about how misting during the hottest part of the day helps prevent droopy over heated leaves. How is it that misting the leaves is ok and doesnt cause any damage? If you mist them for several minutes doesnt the water build up and basically become a watering session?

Also, the saying "spray in the morning Farmer take warning, spray at night Farmer sleep tight" but if I spray at night when evaporation/drying is slower wont that promote powdery mildew and disease?

These questions show my green-horn status huh? LOL
Tammy

4/22/2010 10:38:22 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

My watering system runs in rotation on and off 3 times per day 5-20 min each interval per plant depending on weather conditions. My intent is for both deep watering and evaprative cooling. The last timepoint is 3:30pm or so to allow the plants to dry before nightfall. You want to spray at dusk. The amount of water incorporated in your spray shouldn't be enough to keep the plants wet overnite.

4/23/2010 12:37:32 AM

Western PA

Spraying the pesticides,fungicides, and fertilizers/teas is highly recommended the last hour or two in the evening. Overhead watering the last few hours before dark is a big NO NO.

Like Orangeneck said, the majority of the wetness will be dry from spaying your pesticide, fungicides, or spraying (foliar feeding)ferts in the evening.

4/23/2010 7:22:30 AM

Western PA

Yes, the heat will cause wilting during the hot afternoon hours. A lot of growers set up sprinklers or misters to go on for a few minutes every so often to help keep the plants from
wilting.
I noticed last year that it was mainly the newer formed leaves that were wilting from the heat. I would get home from work at 2:45 pm and mist them with my hose for a few minutes. They always perked back up quickly.
Lee

4/23/2010 8:49:56 AM

Middle TN

Thanks everyone. My plants were showing a bit of wilt on warmer afternoons. I misted them and could seem improvement almost immediately with no damage.
Tammy

4/24/2010 6:45:31 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Tammy, hope this helps?? Misting is water only! Helps w/ evaporative cooling, which helps yer wilting leaves cool off!! Spraying, is w/ any chemical...which should be done late enough in the afternoon, that the heat combined w/ the chemical don't cook the chemical into yer plant, but can still dry out before nightfall!!! Fine line...YES!!!
PS...bonus...email me yer addy again, and I will send my extra copy of Dicks Tips II!! Peace, Wayne

4/29/2010 1:01:43 AM

Middle TN

that would be awesome! thank you! email on the way :)

4/29/2010 7:27:48 AM