[AndyRVTR]

First of all can I apologise about starting a second thread about this subject, but I didnt want to hijack the other thread regarding watering, so I hope it's ok....
I have read many gardening books, including John's  , and I find quite a few give conflicting advice when it comes to when the best time of day is to water plants... ie, early morning, or late afternoon.
Some say early morning before the sun is too high, as the majority of plants grow/feed during the day, yet others say late afternoon after the heat of the sun has gone and the chance of scorching the leaves/roots has dissapeared. 
Based on your own growing experience, and results, when would you say the best time of day is to water?
Thankyou.... 

[tallgingerbloke]

Hi,
My allotment is a couple of miles away so I like to combine a quick jog in the morning and some watering before work, makes me and the plants feel better all day....that is until my water butts ran dry, now I can stay in bed for an extra hour who-hoo!!

[mumofstig]

I usually water in the evening, but if they look really dry at any time of day  i'll water right then

[sunshineband]

Today I watered at 2:30 pm despite baking sun as beetroot and chard were wilting and toms had collapsed. Carried 40 gals with five children to help.

Did the trick -- all upright and glossy again by 5:15 pm 

[Bombers]

I was going to water tonight, but the heavens opened on the way home!

[The Norfolk Turkey]

Anytime after 7, kids are in bed and its peaceful and quiet!! 

[Hey Jude]

I always water early in the morning, mainly for convenience, but I have noticed that  watering at that time I don't seem to have any problems with slugs and snails.

[The Norfolk Turkey]

I always water early in the morning, mainly for convenience, but I have noticed that  watering at that time I don't seem to have any problems with slugs and snails.

My slugs and snails cause no problems when I water - its the munching on the plants thats the problem!! 

[peapod]

For my container toms, peppers and chillies - both early morning and early evening  When its been hot of course

[Paul Plots]

Best time to water is when the ground has been so dry plants are not going to grow / survive without it. Other than that a bit of dry helps plants develop a decent root system....

Water - evening when it is cooler, water has chance to seap into the ground before sun's heat grabs it from the surface - leaves are dry by morning so no sun-scorch.... and mailny because I hate early mornings and need to be in work and with it by 8.30 at the very latest.

Evenings - cooler and less rush - and.... the temperature of water in my old bath and water butt have reached "no shock" levels... I never use cold water straight from the tap or hose. 

[willowman]

This causes arguments in our household. She who must be obeyed says evening - I say the farmers spray water on their crops all day long and they survive, so any time of day is OK.

[Aidy]

I only water the greenhouse, runners and transplants, everything else is left to sort themsleves out. I use the finger test, poke your finger in the ground to see how dry/ wet it is.

[Griffo]

Rain doesn't seem to notice the time!

[Paul Plots]

Rain doesn't seem to notice the time!

Strangley enough the sun is usually turned on "dim or low" when the rain is switched on - clever that as it helps prevent leaf scorch.

[Trillium]

Considering you should not water your plants from above, but below where it'll be close to ground level, anytime will work. The worst thing is for the leaves to get wet and any sun magnify the droplets and burn the leaves.