Have You Watered Your Garden Yet?

It's easy to assume gardens don't need tending during the winter, but I've lost some nice plants because I didn't water enough.

  • Topics: Watering, Winter Care
  • Author: Cindy Bellinger
  • Keywords: Winter Watering
  • Date: December 2006

© All articles are copyrighted by High Country Gardens. Republication is prohibited without Permission.

Remember those bumper stickers: Have you hugged your kid today? Have you rinsed your tofu? Well, now the question is have you watered your garden yet?

Though we’ve gotten some snow, I just want to remind you to water when things begin to thaw and warm. It’s easy to assume gardens don’t need tending during the winter, but I’ve lost some nice plants because I didn’t water enough.

Here are some winter watering tips:

  • just because the soil is frozen doesn’t mean water can’t seep in
  • water thoroughly once every few weeks
  • water early to let moisture soak in before freezing again at night
  • be sure to water during thaws
  • and don’t forget to drain hoses so you can water again

When watering woody plants the most important area to moisten is a foot or more from the drip line because the root hairs spread horizontally and wide.

Plants can make it through the wind and cold, but they can’t go without water. So get out there with your mittens and scarves. And while you’re at it, give your kid a hug. Might as well rinse the tofu, too.