The How and Why of Winter Watering

Overview of why watering is important in the winter.

Veronica x 'Blue Reflection'™
Item # 97395 		Veronica x 'Blue Reflection'®
Blue Reflection ® Hybrid Creeping Speedwell

each $5.29
3 to 6 $4.99
7 or more $4.79
Helianthemum nummularium 'Rose Glory'
Item # 55056 		Helianthemum nummularium 'Rose Glory'
Rose Glory Rock Rose

each $5.29
3 to 6 $4.99
7 or more $4.79
  • Topics: Watering, Winter Care
  • Author: Cindy Bellinger
  • Keywords: winter, cold-hardy, watering, Watering
  • Date: January 2004

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Lately, the thermometer has dipped below 10 degrees several mornings. And some days it’s not getting above 20 degrees even by mid-afternoon. Brrrr.

Not only is the air cold these days, but the chilly weather also means frozen soil. But don’t be fooled. Just because you can’t stick your finger in doesn’t mean water can’t seep in. And seep in it must.

David Salman, president of Santa Fe Greenhouses, says the most common reason for plants to die off during the winter is not the cold, but the lack of water. “Cold-hardy plants can make it through brutally cold weather,” he says, “but they can’t go without water.”

It’s easy to assume plants aren’t doing anything during the winter. Especially when it’s so cold. But lots we can’t see is taking place at the root level.

Dormant plants need moisture to maintain their physiological and biochemical changes that produce high concentrations of dissolved sugars, amino acids and other soluble organic molecules. All of this helps the elasticity of protoplasm, which in turn makes plants resilient during freezing temperatures.

General watering guidelines are:

  • water thoroughly once every few weeks
  • try to water early in the day so the moisture has time to soak into the ground before freezing again at night.
  • be sure to water in our typical thaw at the end of January, first of February.
  • drain hoses so you can water again

When watering woody plants that have been planted in the last two seasons, the most important area to water is about a foot from the drip line. It’s this area that needs to be kept moist because the root hairs spread horizontally.

Also, cut the boughs of your Christmas tree to shade evergreen perennials and shrubs that receive afternoon sun. Especially shade the following:

  • Helianthemum nummularium ‘Rose Glory’
  • Veronica ‘Blue Reflection’
  • boxwoods
  • hollies

Even if soil is frozen, it will absorb water, and often the dissolving ice helps aerate the ground. But make sure your garden soil has good drainage. If not, a lot of heaving—pushing and up-ending of soil—could take place. This can fracture taproots as well as lateral roots, sometimes resulting in elevated crowns that can quickly dry out a plant.

What all this means is getting out there in mittens, scarf and hat—yes, crazy get-up for gardening—and pouring a bit of water on those seemingly dead looking plants. They’ll love you for it.