[Martin]

My wife tells me that Monty Don said not to water tomatoes or chilis after 4pm...anyone know why not? I always thought that watering in the evening was probably the best time as the water wouldn't evaporate

[GrannieAnnie]

I've always watered in the evening too Martin, so don't know what Monty Don is on about.  I'll have a look see if I can find anything out.

[John]

I usually water in the evening too - when it's cold weather it might not be such a good idea but that's hardly a problem now.

[mellowmick]

I was told by another plot holder that it's to do with leaving plants, used to the warm during the day, sitting in cold water overnight. I've been forced to do it, having to nip up after work on hot days to water toms etc, and haven't seen any bad side effects. I think John must be right, that it's something to get more concerned about when we get colder nights.

[comic_muse]

I recall reading some years ago that their is something.....'Clarke' I think ?....which is the temperature of water through the main ?.....I don't know why it is called that but it basically means that tap water is pretty cold & can 'stop' plants.  I would guess that the best way to do it is either to use rain water from a 'warm' butt or run the tap water into cans & leave it in the sun all day to warm up.  Putting 'icy' water around the roots in the evening is likley to hold the plants back.i

[supersprout]

It's always useful to hear other peoples' experience, and what works for them - which is all Mr Don is doing, but because of the broadcast medium, some people will give his opinions more 'weight' :roll: IMHO every grain of advice in this forum, or from your fellow plotholders, is worth at least as much!

I water in the evenings, from a water butt, for reasons previously posted, and because it fits in with my day

[Celtic Eagle]

I tend to water in the evenings as well due to work. I do however always use water from the water butt or water that  has been in the can all day so it's roughly at air temperature. I've not had any problems so that's my two penn'oth