Watering your plants especially in winter can be a confusing task. I’m here to answer those winter watering questions.
Knowing when and how to water your outside plants is important. Water your plants outside when the weather is dry and above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Newly planted fruit trees, garlic, bulbs, and landscaping plants especially need more water that first year after planting.
Zone 5 and 6
Zone 5 and 6 are often characterized by roller coaster weather during fall and winter. Especially in fall, we may have a cool down followed by a period of warm dry weather.
During this time it is important to keep watering your newly planted perennials.
Zone 5 has an average first fall frost around October 15th. And in Zone 6 the average first frost is October 23. However, this does not mean your soil has frozen yet.
The soil stays warmer than the air. So one night of 27 degrees is not going to cause the soil around your young fruit tree to freeze. They may still need water depending on the weather.
In addition, you are concerned with the soil temperatures several inches below the surface where your plant’s roots are.
Snow as Insulation
Snow is an excellent insulator that helps to keep moisture in the ground. The snow can actually help protect your plants from wind or plummeting temperatures.
If you have snow you don’t need to worry about watering.
What is Dormancy?
Dormancy is a time of rest for your plant. It helps the plant deal with colder conditions and maintain nutrients so that it can grow again in spring.
However, during dormancy, your perennial plants are not dead. The roots can still dry out which will inadvertently affect the growth next spring.
Deciduous trees shed their leaves so they have less moisture needs and can handle windy conditions.
Newly Planted Versus Established Plants
Newly planted fruit and landscaping trees are more susceptible to fall and winter droughts. This is because their roots are not as well established.
Newly planted trees typically take a year or two to become well established. Remember your young tree’s roots are often 8-12 inches below the soil. They will dry out much sooner than an established tree with roots six feet down.
Fall is a great time to plant young fruit trees, just take a few precautions.
You can read my article Growing Fruit Trees in Zone 6 to learn more.
As a general rule, your tree needs ten gallons of water for each diameter inch of the tree. (Measure the trunk six inches above the soil line) For example, a tree that is two inches in diameter gets twenty gallons of water.
Established trees may need water during a prolonged dry spell to reduce stress. Plan on watering once a month if soil temperature is above freezing.
Preventing Drought Stress in Winter
Mulch your plants in the fall to prevent moisture evaporation and protect the roots from temperature extremes.
For evergreens in clay soils apply two inches of mulch and for sandy soil four inches. A nice loose mulch of hardwood chips is best. Avoid the color-treated ones.
Keep mulch away from the trunk of the tree.
Three Hardy Trees That Tolerate Drought Stress
Kentucky Coffee Tree
Honey Locust
White Fir
Watering Garlic and Other Bulbs in Winter
Two of the most popular things to plant in the fall are garlic and spring-flowering bulbs.
Planting garlic takes a bit of care. Check out my article on growing great garlic.
Garlic needs moist but well-draining soil. You will need to monitor your garlic patch during the winter. Even on those chilly days your garlic is growing and getting ready for spring.
Winter Watering Tips
Water plants on a regular schedule till the soil freezes. Then monitor the soil during the winter.
Water plants in the morning to give the water sufficient time to work its way through the soil before nighttime temperatures drop
Water can actually act as a heat trap in the soil.
Plants near buildings experience reflected heat and will dry out faster.
Avoid spraying foliage while watering. Soaker hoses are great because they allow the water to slowly penetrate the soil.
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the director of Fox Run Environmental Education Center.