In winter, the vegetable garden and ornamental garden seem fast asleep. And the gardener that you are takes a break, sitting comfortably in front of a nice cup of tea. The tools are stored away for the winter, just like the watering can. However, you may still need to use it, as watering certain plants is not excluded.
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Why water in winter?
At first, winter watering may seem a bit absurd to you. Especially if you live in a region where rain and snow are common during the dormant season. In this case, we agree that watering is unnecessary.
However, other regions experience little precipitation, or even an unusual winter drought.
This is where watering becomes essential because some plants are not dormant. Especially in the vegetable garden.
However, winter watering is not the same as summer watering. Watering every 10 to 15 days is sufficient.
- How to take care of your vegetable garden in winter?
- How to prepare your square vegetable garden for winter?
How to water plants in the ground in winter?
To water your plants in the ground during winter, you need to take some precautions. And the first one is to never water if it’s freezing because the root system wouldn’t be able to handle it.
Then, here are some simple guidelines to follow closely because any mistake in the garden can be costly during winter:
- Choose the right time: if in summer, it is recommended to water early in the morning or late in the evening, in winter, it’s the opposite. Watering should be done at the slightest ray of sunshine, or, if not, in the afternoon. The soil will be warmer compared to the night
- Be light-handed: it is preferable to water with a fine rain rather than with a hose or watering can spout. This way, the water will have time to penetrate the soil. And make sure not to wet the foliage
- Use water at room temperature. Rainwater stored in a collector is perfect. Otherwise, let the water warm up for a little while
- Lightly cultivate the soil or move the winter mulch before watering: the water will penetrate the soil better if it is aerated and the compacted crust is broken. As for the mulch, if it gets too wet, it will lose its usefulness and even have the opposite effect
- Create a basin around trees or shrubs to prevent water loss and optimize watering
Which plants in the ground should be watered in winter?
In winter, priority should be given to watering trees, shrubs, or perennials that were planted in autumn or during the year. Young plants have increased water needs in order to root more easily. Winter watering can even continue into the second year after planting.
In the vegetable garden, some vegetables like cabbage, leeks, lettuce, or spinach are still growing. That’s why watering is essential if the weather is desperately dry.
It is also recommended to water perennial, annual, or biennial plants that bloom in winter such as hellebores, pansies, winter cyclamens, winter aconites… Similarly, camellias and all winter-flowering shrubs use a lot of energy to bloom, so they can benefit from some water.
- What plants to plant for a beautiful garden this winter?
- What is the favorite food of the robin in winter?
