Best time of day to water fruit trees and vegetables

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Saru55 Beaumont, CA Apr 14, 2015

What is the best time to water fruit trees and vegetables? I'm currently watering my trees in the late afternoon about every 3-4 days. My vegetables I water every other day around noon but by the 2nd day soil is dry. Should I water it every day?

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davedigsdirt Yellville, AR(Zone 6b) Apr 14, 2015

In part it depends on the method of watering you use - drip tape, soaker hose, sprinkler, etc. as some are far more effective than others. And of course on the weather and location. So no one rule applies to all.

As a very general rule early morning watering is recommended and avoiding overhead watering should be avoided, rather water the base of the plants. With fruit trees that are well established a deep watering once every 10 days to 2 weeks may be sufficient assuming hot weather and no rain. Very few vegetables require daily or even every other day water even in very hot weather unless they are growing in containers. Another general rule is that less frequent but deeper watering is much preferred over frequent shallow watering as you have been doing. That approach encourages shallow rooted plants that become easily stressed.

And there is the added factor of your soil type. Sandy soils don't retain water well so need more frequent rains or water. Clay soils generally hold water well so require less frequent water.

Lots of factors to consider. :)
Dave

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