What is the best time of day to water?

Morning is a good default, but the best time is the time when the soil can absorb the water and the plant will not stay wet unnecessarily.

Morning is a useful default

Early watering gives roots access to moisture before heat builds, while leaves have time to dry. It is a simple routine for many outdoor plants.

Evening can be better than skipping

If a plant is clearly dry and morning is many hours away, water it. Avoid turning a good rule into a reason to leave a plant stressed.

Water the root zone

Aim at the compost or soil, not the foliage. A slow soak at the base is usually more useful than a quick spray over the whole plant.