Do Plants Need Water In Winter?
As the temperatures start to drop and winter sets in, you may be wondering whether your plants need water. The weather in Louisiana is typically pretty wet, averaging over 5 inches of rain in December.
But even with all the rain many plants still need water during the winter months, especially if they're evergreens.
So how do you know how much to give them? Keep reading to find out!
Do landscape plants need water in winter?
Most plants in the colder months do not need water as often as they do during the warmer months.
Many gardeners believe that plants do not need water in the cold months, but this is not always true. If a plant does not receive water, it will begin to wilt and may die. In order to help your plants through winter without fail, give them plenty of fresh water every day. Follow these guidelines when watering your plants in the cold months:
Check the soil moisture levels first. If they are dangerously low, wait until morning and then add enough water to moisten the top 2 inches of soil.
Do not let your pots or containers sit in standing water.
Watering your plants in winter
In general your garden should be receiving about half as much water as it does in summer.
First and foremost, check your soil moisture level. It should be at least three inches deep before watering; if it isn't, be sure to water gently and frequently while the ground is cold - you don't want to overwater and kill roots that are already struggling due to the cold weather.
Once temperatures warm up again in early spring (around late February or early March), stop watering altogether for a couple of weeks so you aren't encouraging invasive weeds to take over during this dormant period
It's also important not to forget indoor plants! Watering them properly can help keep them healthy and happy during colder months. Use a misting bottle filled with room-temperature water instead of ice cubes; aim the nozzle about two feet away from plant foliage.
When to water your plants in winter
Watering your plants in winter is a little different than in the summer. You'll want to water them when the soil is dry, but not so dry that it's cracked. It's also important to water them at the right time of day so that the water reaches the roots. Check the soil moisture level every day or two and adjust watering accordingly.
How much water do plants need in winter?
Watering your plants in winter can be tricky because the soil can be cold and wet, and the plants may not drink as much. However, there are several tricks to keeping them hydrated without constantly watering them. Try these tips:
Decrease watering frequency in winter; allow the ground to dry out between waterings instead of giving your plants constant moisture throughout winter.
Over-watering can cause mold and fungus to grow on foliage, which may damage plant cells and lead to leaves dropping off.(source: GardenRoots)
Why do plants need less water in winter?
Plants in the wintertime typically require less water than plants during the summer. The main reason for this is that in the winter, the plant's roots are colder and more compacted than they are in the summer.
This means that the plant can conserve water by not using as much water to grow and survive. Additionally, during the winter, the plant's leaves are not actively photosynthesizing, so they do not need as much water to stay alive.
Automate the watering process with an inground sprinkler system to keep them alive year-round with ease.
If you don't water your plants in the winter, their leaves will turn yellow and curl. If you do this for an extended period of time, your plants might die
Watering your plants in winter is important to keep them healthy and to prevent them from dying.
Here at PPI Landscaping we specialize in new construction landscape installs, landscape planning and bed updates and in ground irrigation systems / automatic sprinklers that take care of the watering for you so your landscape lasts for years to come.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your landscape or irrigation system needs 225-252-4905.
