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canal winchester ohio

I'm doing all overhead watering this year & normally do it around 4-5 in the afternoon. The last 4 days I've been able to water in the morning & the pumpkin gains have been much better, but my schedule is putting a stop to that " unless" I water at 4 in the morning. I know not to water in the evening to help prevent mildew, but does anyone think that 4 in the morning is close enough to daybreak that it won't have much effect in causing mildew.
Thanks....Paul

7/26/2006 3:45:54 PM

Lexington, Ky

If your weather is similiar to Kentucky weather, it shouldn't matter. Once the dew point drops (around 8:30 pm est), our leaves will stay wet with dew until 9:00-10:00 am est the following morning!

7/26/2006 4:12:18 PM

Montoursville, PA

Nothing wrong with early AM watering.

7/26/2006 9:19:07 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

I've usually watered in the morning while getting ready for work and then do my foliar and other work in the evening. It was one of the first "tips" that I received so I still go with it now,

7/30/2006 1:00:34 AM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

Buy a timer!

7/30/2006 9:13:14 AM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

This question has multiple answers.
Several years ago I heard the results of a study done on watering and the effect on plants. From the plants point of view it was 30% more effective to water in the late afternoon, allowing several hours for drying time before night. This allowed more time for the plants to build up its moisture supply for the following day. When you water in the morning they never get enough time to build up the fluids to protect themselves on a hot day.

If you trying to relief some heat related stress there are several options, water or mist when the sun is most direct (11:00 - 3:00). Usually just letting the plant have a breather of 1/2 hour is enough to make it through the day.

If water conservation /evaporation is a concern watering at 4:00- 5:00 in the morning is the best time.

If you have multiple plants like I do and can only water one ore two at a time, any time is the right time.

Good luck Bill

7/30/2006 6:17:58 PM