What's the most appropriate way to tell a very kind person to stop doing something that she takes pride in?

Question

I know the heading is a little confusing, but here's the situation:
I have a lot of plants placed on the stairs of my apartment, and every afternoon, my very kind neighbor downstair would start watering the plants with a waterhose under the scorching sun. My past experience tells me it's best not to water the plants under very high temperature, so I usually do the watering early in the morning and late in the night. Just as I expected, the plants have started dying. I would really want to tell my sweet neighbor to stop watering my plants, but I think that'll hurt her feeling as a gardener. Could you guys give me some advice on how I should resolve this problem without seeming rude?

I told my neighbor about my dying plants, and how she shouldn't water them under direct sun light. And she tells me that she spent four years learning about gardening and she only waters the plants when there is shade. She also says she's trying to cool down the soil, which high temperature can kill the roots. Now I'm really confused why the plants are dying this fast, they were pretty fine previous summers. She says she'll lay off the watering to see if the plants get better.

Answer 1

1. Thank her for taking the time to do that for you but also tell her that you don't think watering them at that time is a good idea because of the heat.

2. Ask her to make sure the water is cool before watering because you are worried about the consequences

3. Ask her to water plants at a different time to make sure hers don't die either.

Whatever you decide to do just make sure you are clear and honest.

Answer 2

If she is a gardener she should know better. Just tell her, that it is very kind and thoughtful of her to take care of your plants, but that you have already watered your plants in the morning and you are watering them also in the evening when the sun goes down and you are a little concerned, that the plants might get to much water.

Answer 3

It seems like you've solved this one yourself. This is a situation that is very tricky, and I've been there myself. Its best to bring up what you know about the situation, in this case your knowledge on gardening. You could even get printed materials or articles to share with her about the whole thing. Make the interaction non-threatening while still trying to make your point "no more watering." If worst comes to worst, just tell her flat out that you enjoy doing the watering yourself, its an understandable position. Good luck!

Answer 4

Tell her the truth that watering the plants in the heat is bad for the plants. She would learn something new too.

Answer 5

You are right in thinking that watering in the full sun will burn your plants and eventually kill them. As a gardener, she should know this. Perhaps you could find an article that mentions this commonly known fact and ask her opinion about it. Perhaps the penny will drop.

Answer 6

Watering plants can be done in the sun, only if you keep the water restricted to the root area, not the leaves or flowers. Better than letting them die. But it is best early am or evening.
The previous answer is sure to be the easiest way of all.

Answer 7

Just thank her and then explain that you have them because tending them is soothing therapy for you. Say that a s simple a thing as watering them gives you great comfort and removes the daily stress.

Answer 8

just tell her this, thanks for watering my plants, its very kind, but i just wanted to say that can you not water them when it is hot out, its not healthy for the plants. and continue on from there

Answer 9

Who gives a crap whether she's offended?? They're your plants! Tell her thanks for caring, but that you prefer to have control over your plant watering schedule.

Answer 10

I like edhelosa's answer because it puts the focus on you rather than her.