Is your area experiencing an especially dry winter? If so, you might be wondering if it’s a good idea to water your plants during winter. Plants go dormant during winter, which means they stop growing to conserve energy and nutrients. This allows them to go much longer without requiring water, but it’s often a good idea to water plants during winter in some areas.
It depends on where you live
If you live in an area that doesn’t get much snow or rain during winter, it’s best to water your plants. While plants don’t need as much moisture during winter, they require some. Failing to provide your plants with enough water will cause the roots to dry up and die.
Watering plants during winter
Gardeners often worry about the ground freezing after watering their plants in winter. This is a legitimate fear, as freezing can do major damage to the roots of your plants; however, you can easily avoid freezing by only watering your plants during the day. This will give your plants plenty of time to absorb the moisture before it has a chance to freeze. Avoid watering your plants on days when the temperatures may drop below 40°F.
How often do you water plants during winter?
While your plants need water during winter, it’s important to avoid overwatering them. Since plants stay in a dormant state during winter, you won’t have to water them as much as you normally would. We recommend deeply watering your plants once every three to six weeks, depending on if it’s rained or snowed. You can also check with a gardening expert in your area about how often you should water your specific plants during winter.
Other ways to protect your plants
Routine watering is an important part of keeping your plants alive during winter; however, there are some other things you shouldn’t forget. For example, it’s best to cover the ground around your plants in a layer of mulch before the temperatures get too cold. Top-quality mulch will provide your plants with the nutrients and insulation they need to survive in cold temperatures. We recommend first watering your plants and then applying around 5 inches of mulch before the first sign of frost.
Another great way of protecting your plants in winter is by investing in the right planter. A good planter will prevent your plant from experiencing the negative effects of frozen ground. Fiberglass is a great material for planters, though it never hurts to ask a local garden expert what they recommend.
Other ways of protecting your plants in winter include bringing potted plants indoors and covering your outdoor plants.
Pick up all the supplies you need
Now that you know your plants need water and protection during winter, pick up all the right supplies at a local garden shop. At Jones Nursery, we offer everything you need to take care of your plants this winter. You can also find the most beautiful Jersey-grown plants, trees and perennials in our vast nursery.