ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Just like humans, plants drink water to stay hydrated, especially during the summer. It is important to give them water when they need it and to leave them alone when they don't.

So, when is the best time to water to prevent evaporation?

It’s best to water early in the day while the dew is still on the leaves so the foliage can dry off during the heat of the day. Watering in the evening works well, too. You'll want to avoid the middle part of the day to avoid evaporation.

Feel your soil before watering

If the soil is damp to the touch and it sticks to your fingers it is moist enough. If the surface looks hard, dry, baked, or cracked, and if the soil is dry an inch below the surface; that suggests it needs water.

Water at the soil level if you can. Watering from above can cause leaf disease, especially if the leaves stay wet for extended periods of time.

The Farmer's Almanac says, "Plants do best when watered deeply about three times a week, factoring in the rain."

Surprisingly, the best time to water can be immediately after a light shower, especially if the rain amounts only to a half-inch or so of water. Adding sufficient water at the same time can ensure penetration of the soil down to 5 or 6 inches. Light rain doesn't penetrate deep into the soil and waiting another day or two might only add more surface water which can evaporate quickly. You want to make sure to build up a reserve of water in the soil.

Plants looking droopy?

Maybe your plants look especially droopy. It is normal for plants to wilt or slump during the heat of the afternoon. The plant is adapting to the environment around it. Visit your garden again in the evening and see if the wilted plants have perked up again. If they have, you probably do not need to water.

You want to use a watering can, a watering wand, or a hose with a good nozzle that allows you to water right at the soil level near the plant.

If you have more dense plantings or larger plants, lay your hose directly on the ground near the plant so the water goes where it is needed. It might help to dig a little trench around the plants to direct the water where it needs to go.

Remember -- you don't need to baby your flowers and vegetables! Plants are incredibly adaptable and they can draw water from deep in the soil.