When the weather turns from cold to colder and snow and ice start to accumulate on the ground, it’s easy to think that it’s okay to take a break from watering your garden, at least until it gets warm again.
Well, not entirely.
Although temperatures are dropping, plants still need consistent water throughout the winter, especially if they are new plants that have just established themselves in the garden. They don’t need as much watering as they do in the summer, but don’t put away the hose just yet.
Here’s why:
Even in cold climates, plants need hydration.
Plants may be dormant or semi-dormant, but they are not dead. They still have some basic metabolic functions that are dependent on water, and the lack of adequate moisture will damage the root system. (Of course, it may seem counterintuitive to water plants when they are not actively growing, but I myself have experienced problems with fruit trees and watering in the winter, not because of the cold, but because of lack of water.) I once lost a shrub.
The roots of perennials, biennials, and overwintering annuals continue to live underground, collecting water and nutrients from the soil and storing sugars and other energy to survive the winter. This vitality generates new growth in the spring.
Dry soil has a negative effect on roots, especially in winter.
Dry roots at any time of the year will stress the plant and prevent it from getting the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. If this happens in winter, the plant becomes even more susceptible to winter injury. They may appear normal when they emerge from dormancy using their stored energy in the spring, but in late spring or summer, all or some of these plants may die as a result of weakened root systems. There is a gender.
Watering before frost will help protect the roots.
Near freezing temperatures and watering are often a cause for concern, as many gardeners worry that wet soil will freeze and damage the roots of their plants. But as long as you water early in the day when temperatures are at least 40°F or higher, the water you give your plants will actually help protect them from frost.
Moist soil acts like a cozy blanket for the roots, trapping heat and keeping the root zone a little warmer than the air as night approaches. If you water your plants before frost and cover them with frost cloth, that’s often all the protection they need to survive the cold, dry winters.
Moisture in the soil helps protect plants from winter desiccation.
Winter winds can be ferocious and are one of the main reasons why some plants don’t survive the season. When strong winds occur, water is drawn from the leaves of plants faster than it can be replenished through the roots.
This can lead to death from desiccation, but this can be completely avoided if you keep the soil constantly moist during the winter, giving the plant a chance to fight the cold, dry winds. Be careful not to let the ground stay wet, as this can lead to new problems such as root rot and suffocation.
What happens if it snows?
If you live in a climate with snow all winter or regular rain, additional winter watering is not necessary. The weather does all the work.
But if you live in a drier climate and a few weeks have passed without a solid rain, you’ll need to go outside and water your garden. Trees and large perennials should be watered from the trunk to the drip line, while smaller plants should be watered closer to the crown.
winter watering routine
Wait until temperatures are at least 40°F and water from midnight to noon to allow time to soak before a possible overnight freeze.
Water trees, shrubs, and other perennials when it’s unseasonably warm and there hasn’t been any precipitation. If the weather is dry, water once a month. If conditions remain dry throughout the season, water twice a month.
Depending on the climate, the soil may freeze and thaw repeatedly during the winter. In that case, water only when the soil feels dry. In areas where rainfall is not very high, aim for deep watering each time.
How long should I continue watering?
Generally, continue watering your garden until the ground hardens. When the soil freezes, the roots can no longer absorb water. You’ll know it’s frozen if you can’t get your shovel more than a few inches into the ground, or if your geothermometer reads 32°F or below.
