Do You Need To Water Your Garden In Winter?
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You may think the only winter gardening task is perusing seed catalogs and dreaming of summer blossoms. But monitoring garden moisture levels is a year-round job. While most plants are dormant during winter, they still need water to survive. Learn more about winter gardening and the watering needs of your plants.
Understanding Plant Dormancy in Winter
Trees, shrubs, and perennials enter dormancy in the fall to prevent the loss of water and nutrients and to avoid damage from winter's cold temperatures. Dormancy is triggered by shorter days, sun angles, and cooler temperatures. The plant's photosynthesis, respiration, and metabolic enzymes slow along with its water requirements. However, the roots do require moisture to prevent damage that affects the health of the plant. The plant stores carbohydrates and nutrients in its roots to survive the winter and initiate a growth spurt in the spring.
Why Winter Watering is Important
As a gardener, you must also be a part-time meteorologist. It's your job to monitor rainfall because long periods of dry weather in the fall and winter can injure plant root systems. The plant may appear fine until temperatures warm and growth begins, but suddenly died because the root system was weakened from lack of moisture over the winter.
A rainfall gauge is the easiest way to keep tabs on moisture levels. Or, use a soil moisture meter if the ground isn't frozen or covered with snow. You should also monitor irrigation systems, outdoor faucets, and hoses during the winter, especially in areas with extremely cold temperatures.
When to Water Your Garden in Winter
When you water a garden in winter is important because you want the moisture to soak into the soil to avoid run-off and keep limbs and evergreen foliage dry. Watering should be done midday when the ground is not frozen, there is no snow cover, and the temperature is at least 40 degrees F.
Depending on the amount of rainfall and the temperatures in your area, the rule of thumb is to water one to two times per month from November until April. If you don't have a soil moisture monitor, here's an easy way to determine if your plants need water. Stick a long screwdriver into the soil. If it goes in easily, watering is not necessary. If pushing the screwdriver into the soil is difficult, it's time to water.
What to Water in Winter
Since fall is a wonderful time to add plants to your garden, newly planted trees, shrubs, perennials, and lawns are a winter watering priority. Keeping all newly-placed plants hydrated and healthy will pay off when temperatures rise.
Trees: Trees require about 10 gallons of water per watering for each diameter inch of the trunk. For example, a 2-inch diameter tree needs 20 gallons per watering applied within the dripline of the tree.
Shrubs: Apply 5 gallons of water two times per month for a newly planted shrub. Water within the dripline of the shrub and around the base.
Lawns: Warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine, zoysia, centipede, Bermuda, and Bahia require about 1 inch of water if no rainfall has occurred within three weeks. Irrigate in the morning once the frost is gone and the grass is dry. You can determine whether cool-season grasses, such as fescue and ryegrass, need water by walking across the lawn late in the day. If you see footprints remaining, the grass needs water. The ease of inserting a screwdriver into the earth is also an excellent moisture level test. Watering can be done with an in-ground irrigation system or a hose and sprinkler.
Perennials: Bare root plantings are more susceptible to drought damage than container plants and require more frequent watering.
Don't neglect established plantings and keep checking moisture levels. Small established shrubs (less than 3 feet tall) should receive 5 gallons of water monthly while large established shrubs (more than 6 feet) require 18 gallons monthly. Keep this tip in mind, placing mulch around plants will help the soil retain moisture. Outdoor container plants require more frequent watering, usually weekly, than in-ground plants.
Plants like cacti, succulents, and carnivorous plants don't require winter watering and overwatering can cause root rot.
How to Water Your Garden in Winter
The most effective watering for shrubs and trees is done at soil level with drip hoses. This allows the water to soak directly into the soil and helps prevent run-off and excessively wet foliage. Water at midday to prevent the formation of ice from nighttime temperatures. A watering wand attached to a hose works well to reach the roots of plants. Slow, steady water application is more effective than quick overhead sprays.
To prevent freeze damage to plants and equipment, follow the midday rule, avoid overhead watering, and monitor ambient temperatures.
Related: 15 Hardy Vegetables To Plant And Grow In Winter
Monitoring and Adjusting Watering Practices
Add a rain gauge to your garden equipment list and check it often. Freezing temperatures can cause ice to form and crack glass tubes. Use a soil moisture monitor or screwdriver every couple of weeks to test moisture levels so you can react accordingly.
If you see standing water in your garden, you are probably overwatering. Avoid root rot by testing the soil before you water, providing adequate drainage, and reducing watering frequency.
Frequently asked Questions
How can I prevent my garden hoses from freezing?
Garden hoses should be drained and stored indoors during freezing temperatures. Garden watering should not be done unless the midday temperatures are above 40 degrees F.
Can winter watering affect my water bill significantly?
Since most gardens only require watering once or twice a month during winter weather, your water bill should not increase significantly. Use a rain gauge to be sure that you aren't overwatering.
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