Why should you avoid watering in the evening?

Watering in the evening is discouraged primarily because it can lead to prolonged leaf wetness, which creates a favorable environment for fungal diseases. When water remains on the leaves overnight, the moisture can encourage various pathogens that thrive in humid conditions, leading to issues such as powdery mildew or other fungal infections. These diseases can significantly affect the health of plants, reducing their vigor and lifespan.

While deeper root growth, reduced water evaporation, and higher soil temperature are important factors in lawn care, they do not address the immediate adverse effects of evening watering. Promoting deeper root growth is best achieved through less frequent, deeper watering during cooler parts of the day. Reducing evaporation is more effectively accomplished with morning watering when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not as intense. Higher soil temperatures can aid in seed germination and root development but are not directly correlated with the timing of watering in the evening.

Thus, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases is the main reason to avoid watering lawns or ornamental plants when evening sets in.