The grass doesn’t have to be greener on the other side! Proper watering can help your yard thrive, even in the summer heat. When it comes to watering, there aren’t set rules for all plants because it can depend on the plant type or weather. However, we do have some general watering best practices to help your plants flourish during a Minnesota summer.

When to Water Your Plants

Your plants should be watered everyday, especially during the summer. They should also be watered in the morning. Morning is the best time to water because it gives the plants’ leaves all day to dry out. This prevents fungus spots, which come from water sitting on leaves. If you are unable to water in the morning, you should still water as soon as possible. Also, super hot days may even require you to water two times!

How to Water Your Plants

Here at Sunnyside we say, “Water the pot, not the plant!” To correctly water your plants, pour the water over the soil of the pot instead of the leaves and foliage of the plants. Remember – the roots need access to water, not the leaves. Watering the leaves and foliage is a waste of water. The water should be poured into the pot until it’s full to the top. Repeat this step once it drains through (though this isn’t always possible with indoor plants as you don’t want a mess on your floor).

Bonus tip: If you’re going out of town and won’t be able to water your plants, pull your outdoor plants into the shade and water them very well before you leave. If you can, set them in plastic saucers full of water while you’re away. Or, if you are taking a longer trip, we have an experienced and versatile staff that can assist you! Learn about our summer garden maintenance services.