While this may sound like an unusual question it is not without merit. The unconscious act of grabbing a garden hose and watering some plants without checking to see if the hose is lying in the sun can provide some plants with a hot shower. A test with a finger or hand may surprise you the next time you go to water some thirsty plants. A water temperature of 118°F is not uncommon. Some delicate roots may not appreciate the sun fired water. Letting the hose run a couple of minutes will make for happier plants. Jerry
Jerry, good reminder! We use rainwater, and since the containers are in mostly shade, the water doesn't get hot. However, it does get warm, and when filling the chicken waterers in summertime, I drop a few ice cubes in to cool it down. Also, when starting seeds, it is better to use warm to tepid water for seedlings.
I don't use the hose, I fill my watering container from the kitchen sink with room temperture water. But if I miss my morning watering and I want to give them water but its super sunny I use warm water and water them slowly and the soil only. I hate when I have to water them when its really hot and sunny but worry about them drying out.
Jerry, I have to watch carefully. We just had the driveway redone and it is now all asphalt...If the hose is on the black surface it can really get hot, so I do run it over my hand before watering.
I have hoses on rollers all over the property. One of them has tons of white foam coming out when I first turn it on. I wouldn't want to drink it nor put it in with fish. So I let it run to clear when I begin and usually against the house foundation or on a rock for a while. I just know there is a rule that my dad taught me a million years ago that we should always let the water run for clarity and temp even when you are going to take a drink of water out of your kitchen sink.
I also check my hose .Got hose roll ups. But God has been doing most of the watering. looks like to get more.
I use tepid water on my garden and indoor plants Jerry. An old neighbour of mine once told me that cold water can shock roots and hot water will make the plants curl up and die. I've never forgotten his advice and have used tepid water ever since.
Since I leave the hoses out most of the time... and I try to remember to drain out the water when I'm done, but that doesn't always happen. Talk about hot water! I bet you could put some in a pot and boil an egg with it. So I always run the water out on the grass until it cools down enough to use.
@Jerry Sullivan, Thank you for this useful information. Sometimes I fill a pail with water if I need to water just a few flowers. I do let the outdoor faucet run.
